Arrests

R. Kelly has another big legal problem -- a Minnesota judge just issued a bench warrant for his arrest because he was a no-show Thursday for a hearing, but this time it's not the singer's fault ... it's because he had no choice.

Kelly's hearing was set for 1:30 PM at the Hennepin County Court Thursday. He's facing 2 charges -- engaging in prostitution with someone under 18, and hiring/offering/agreeing to hire someone for sexual contact.

The problem -- Kelly's incarcerated at the MCC Chicago prison on federal sex crimes.

The Minnesota D.A.'s Office tells TMZ ... prosecutors there are aware the federal authorities in the Northern District of Illinois are unwilling to give them access to Kelly until his federal case is resolved.

Still, the bench warrant was issued. At a point, how many times can you be jailed, right? When you're in once, you're in.

Tekashi 6ix9ine will be testifying in front of pretty much everyone except those to whom he's closest -- his family -- because we've learned they're so scared of retaliation, they won't go near the courtroom.

The rapper's immediate family members have decided it's just too risky for them to show their faces when a trial begins for the two men who allegedly had a role in his kidnapping last year. The reason is simple ... Tekashi will be snitching, and they know what happens to snitches.

The fam is especially concerned about members of the Nine Trey Bloods, some of whom will be attending the trial.

We're told his family thinks, at the very least, they'd be harassed, but more likely followed back to their home ... or even outright attacked by Nine Trey members.

Remember, Tekashi was already scared for his family's lives -- despite hiring extra security to guard them -- and it looks like he's following through on that concern now that the day is right around the corner.

As we reported ... prosecutors laid out what Tekashi's going to say on the stand next week, when he'll supposedly name names, connect people to certain incriminating messages ... and implicate himself and other Nine Trey Bloods to a plot on hurting rival rapper Casanova.

Presumably, he'll also get into detail about how he was bankrolling his fellow gang members -- something prosecutors revealed in court docs.

There's obviously a lot on the line ... and Tekashi wants to protect his brood. So, he's going in solo come crunch time.

Bruce Beresford-Redman -- the ex-producer on 'Survivor' -- who was convicted for murdering his wife in Mexico, has been released early ... just 4 years into a 12-year sentence.

Beresford-Redman was released two months ago from the Quintana Roo jail in Mexico, and is reportedly already back home in his Southern California home. He was found guilty of murdering his wife, Monica Burgos Beresford-Redman, while they were on a 2010 vacation with their kids in Cancun.

Monica's body was discovered in a sewer, and authorities found she'd died by suffocation and had suffered bruising on her face and head. Beresford-Redman had gone home to California, but was eventually extradited to Mexico in 2012, and convicted for Monica's murder in 2015.

Now, just 4 years into his sentence, he's a free man again. His attorney told KNBC-TV, Mexican prisoners are eligible for release after they complete 60 percent of their sentence.

It appears Beresford-Redman was given credit for time served before his conviction -- which amounts to 7 and a half years -- because 4 years definitely ain't 60 percent of his 12-year sentence.

Bruce also produced shows like "Pimp My Ride," "The Contender," "The Restaurant" and "Breakthrough with Tony Robbins."

Prosecutors have just played their hand in the Tekashi 6ix9ine snitching case ... laying out precisely how the rapper will turn on his former gang cohorts when their trial begins next week, and the details are pretty shocking.

The U.S. Attorney in Manhattan sent a letter to the judge in the case, outlining their strategy, which includes key testimony from the rapper who's behind bars after striking a plea deal ... and the key to unlock his cell is snitching on his partners in crime.

According to prosecutors, Tekashi is expected to testify and name names in various alleged crimes, including the July 2018 robbery and kidnapping of Tekashi himself.

The big thing ... he will identify which Nine Trey Blood members are attached to various aliases used in incriminating texts, social media posts, DMs, and other communications. This is critical evidence for prosecutors, since they have to prove the messages were sent by the various defendants.

According to the letter, Tekashi will implicate himself and other gang members in a conspiracy to harm a rapper -- Casanova -- who wrote lyrics they felt were critical of 6ix9ine.

He will also testify ... another member of Nine Trey -- SEQO -- sent out a message if any rival bloods were to come across Tekashi they were to "fire on him."

What's also interesting ... the letter essentially says Tekashi was the bank for the gang ... one of his roles was to make money for the gang and then distribute it among members. Our sources say lots of friction was created when Tekashi turned off the cash spigot. Our sources say that's why the kidnapping/robbery went down ... as retaliation.

As we reported, Tekashi faced a minimum of 47 years in prison, but he could now get out in a matter of years in return for his full cooperation. It's all but certain he would become a member of the witness protection program, but that may be problematic given his distinctive tattoos.

Bam Margera's drama following a bizarre hotel lobby incident just went up another notch ... he's been charged with trespassing and is now in danger of having his probation revoked.

According to new legal docs obtained by TMZ ... the 'Jackass' star has been charged with 1 count of misdemeanor trespassing following his arrest last month at the Luxe Hotel on Sunset. What's more ... prosecutors are now moving to have Bam's probation revoked following the arrest.

The probation stems from his DUI case last year. At the time, he pled no contest and was sentenced to 3 years probation.

We broke the story ... Bam was placed under citizen's arrest after refusing to leave the Luxe Hotel ... plopping down in the middle of the lobby in a childishly stubborn standoff with a police officer.

The cop -- who told Bam she had backup on the way -- told the reality star, "This is not a f**king reality TV show. I know you're fresh out of rehab, so let's get your s**t together."

As we reported ... Bam had been talking trash to hotel patrons and refused to leave when staffers tried to toss him. His arrest came on the heels of Dr. Phil telling Bam he needed to go to rehab.

R. Kelly's far from sleeping with one eye open now that he's back in general population because he feels totally at ease among his hometown inmates ... TMZ has learned.

Sources close to the singer tell us ... Kelly doesn't anticipate any problems in gen pop at the federal prison where he's being held in Chicago, because he feels he's still considered a "legend" there.

We're told he believes his fellow prisoners all look up to him and wouldn't harm him ... despite facing sordid charges that include sex with minors -- which makes most prisoners a target.

Our sources say this is strictly a Chicago thing, though -- Kelly would not be so fearless if he were to be placed in gen pop in one of the other jurisdictions where he's facing sex crime charges ... like New York federal court or Minnesota state court. He's just not as confident in his clout that far from home.

Also, Kelly's lawyer, Steven Greenberg, reminds us ... even in Illinois, security measures are in place to keep his client safe -- but he confirms Kelly's not sweating his safety, anyway.

The guy known as "The Real Tarzann" to millions on YouTube will now be tracked by law enforcement after his arrest for burglary and battery ... which he claims was actually self-defense.

Michael Holston was arraigned Friday in Miami on felony charges of burglary with battery and battery. Holston entered a plea of not guilty and the judge ordered him to stay away from his alleged victim, and wear a GPS ankle monitor.

TMZ broke the story ... Holston -- who produces viral videos of himself playing with chimps, lions, snakes and many other animals -- was arrested earlier this month. According to police, he beat the hell out of a guy who showed up at his home.

Cops say they got into an argument and, as you might expect, Tarzann got the best of him ... punching the guy several times in the face and body. Holston allegedly lunged inside a car to continue hitting the guy when he tried to call police.

He's also accused of punching a friend of the alleged victim who tried to help.

However, Holston's attorney, Brian Bieber (no relation) tells TMZ ... his client was only protecting himself. Bieber claims the alleged victim had posted videos threatening Holston ... including at least one where he was armed with a rifle. Bieber says Holston was only defending himself because he recognized the alleged victim from the social media post.

Olympic gymnast Simone Biles' older brother is in police custody for the murders of 3 people ... after an 8-month investigation into a New Year's Eve tragedy.

Tevin Biles-Thomas was arrested Thursday at Fort Stewart in Georgia, where he is an active duty soldier in the Army. Police say Biles-Thomas opened fired on a group of people when a fight broke out during a New Year's Eve party at an Airbnb in Cleveland.

According to cops, an "uninvited" group of people had entered the house party and during the ensuing brawl ... Biles-Thomas fired the shots that killed three men and injured 2 others.

A Cuyahoga County Grand Jury returned an indictment of Biles-Thomas for 6 counts of murder, 3 counts of voluntary manslaughter, 5 counts of felonious assault and 1 count of perjury. Under Ohio law, "purposely killing" and "knowingly killing" a victim are separate counts for each victim -- and that's why he got 6 murder charges. 

Simone and her family are from the Columbus, Ohio area.

24-year-old Biles-Thomas is still being held in Georgia, but will be extradited to Ohio ahead of his arraignment on Sept. 13.

Actor James Denton was NOT involved in a multi-car DUI car accident Friday morning ... as TMZ earlier reported.

First responders tell us the person who was detained in the car wreck near LAX is indeed named James Denton, but he is NOT the actor ... who, of course, is famous for his role as Mike Delfino on "Desperate Housewives."

We were initially informed it was the actor, but that information turned out to be erroneous ... and we apologize.

R. Kelly is making a plea to a federal judge ... a plea to remove him from solitary confinement and put him in general population.

It's a risky move either way. Solitary can drive you crazy, but gen pop can get you killed if you're accused of sex crimes involving underage girls.

Kelly's lawyer filed legal docs, obtained by TMZ, claiming the solitary area where the singer is confined is designed for punishment ... not housing pending trial.

Attorney Steven Greenberg gives examples ... he has no meaningful interaction with human beings, no time outside getting sunlight, no access to media, no recreational activities, no face-to-face visitations that are not recorded, showering only 3 days a week and one 15-minute telephone call per month. And, he's not permitted to buy snacks or candy from the commissary.

There are other examples, but Kelly's lawyer says his client hasn't violated any rules and has not been convicted of a crime, yet he's being treated as such.

Greenberg claims Kelly is being punished because of his "celebrity status" and the fact he's charged with sex crimes involving minors.

Feel free to raise a glass in honor of Luann de Lesseps reaching the end of her 1-year probation, but forgive her if she doesn't join you -- she's planning to stick with the sober life.

The 'Real Housewives of New York' star was on "TMZ Live" Wednesday to talk about her milestone. The judge ordered her to stay off drugs and alcohol during probation, and Luann told us it's had a profound impact on her life.

Yeah, she could be celebrating with champagne -- we know she's down with mimosas -- but Luann says she's now enjoying sobriety.

As you know ... she'd been on probation from her Christmas Eve 2017 arrest after an alleged drunken dispute with cops in Palm Beach, FL. Video from inside the patrol car showed Luann going nuclear ... threatening to kill an officer.

Luann didn't hold back, btw, when we asked her about her sometimes-nemesis on 'RHOC,' Bethenny Frankel, quitting the show this week. For those expecting a "ding dong the Wicked Witch is dead" kinda moment -- watch the clip.

Howie Day was arrested in NYC after a woman claimed he'd assaulted her -- this a year after he was arrested for something similar ... TMZ has confirmed.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... the "Collide" singer was busted Friday after he allegedly got into an argument with a woman at a hotel in Manhattan's Financial District. Things got so heated that cops were eventually called ... and the woman reported that Day had grabbed her, thrown her around, wrapped his hands around her throat and squeezed.

When cops arrived, we're told 8 Xanax pills were found in Howie's pocket. The woman, whose relationship to Howie is unclear, reportedly sought medical attention and got a protective order against Howie as well.

He was booked on charges ranging from assault with intent to cause physical injury, criminal obstruction of breathing and possession of a controlled substance. Howie was reportedly arraigned Saturday, where he's said not to have entered a plea. He bailed out on $500 bond.

This, of course, is a huge deal ... seeing how Howie was arrested in April 2018 for a similar alleged incident -- only that one was caught on video. In surveillance footage, obtained by TMZ, you can see Howie shove his then-girlfriend, Carrie Pencek, at least once.

He's also on tape slamming the car door, throwing his music gear around and looking visibly upset, which promoted Carrie to get out of the vehicle in a panic. At the time, cops showed up at his house to arrested him for fourth-degree assault.

Rapper Jackboy -- Kodak Black's protege -- was busted in Florida after police say they found him eating marijuana in an effort to hide the illegal substance during a traffic stop!!!

Jackboy was arrested Thursday in Pompano Beach ... and police say, after they pulled him over for driving around with tinted windows, his BMW sedan reeked of reefer and an officer noticed him chewing something strange.

According to the police report ... cops ordered Jackboy out of his whip, and told him to open his mouth, revealing what turned out to be chronic!

After spitting out the saliva-covered sativa, Jackboy was booked for possession of marijuana and tampering with physical evidence.

Jackboy only had a little bit of tree on him, but Florida ain't California or Colorado ... the Sunshine State still takes weed very seriously.

Seems Jackboy is taking the Kodak Black playbook a little too far ... Kodak's got a long rap sheet too and, as we reported ... KB just pled guilty to lying on federal gun applications.

The young rapper whose earned praise from Kylie Jenner, Drake and Meek Mill had a very public run-in with the law that ended with his arrest ... and his reps are calling the move racist.

Rapper Ambjaay -- famous for his hugely successful track, "Uno" -- was busted Thursday about an hour east of L.A. in Rancho Cucamonga after directing hundreds of high school kids to show up to a nearby park for a free pop-up concert.

So, why the move? The 19-year-old rapper wanted to reward the students from Rancho Cucamonga HS after a video showed them turning up to "Uno" last week ... hence the free concert. Problem was ... Ambjaay didn't have a permit, this according to law enforcement sources.

We're told police responded to the park and told Ambjaay he had to shut it down, but we're told he instead directed fans to another park. Cops tell us they got wind of this ... and that's when they pulled him over, searched his car and arrested him for disturbing the peace. He was later released.

A rep for Ambjaay tells TMZ ... all the rapper was trying to do was give back to a community that had showed him mad love. The rep straight-up calls this a classic case of racial profiling. The rep adds the disturbance occurred only AFTER police wouldn't let the rapper perform.

Adam Lambert, Usher, 'Real Housewives' star Dorit Kemsley and former football star Shaun Phillips are the latest celebs to be hit by burglars ... but this one has a twist.

Beverly Hills realtor Jason Emil Yaselli and an alleged accomplice, Benjamin Ackerman, are accused of various crimes between December 2016 and August 2018, including first-degree residential burglary, identity theft, conspiracy to commit burglary and money laundering ... including an allegation that they took more than $500,000 through fraud and embezzlement.

Here's the twist ... some of the crimes were allegedly committed during open houses in the Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Hollywood Hills and West Hollywood area. Presumably, during the open houses, the defendants allegedly pilfered stuff.

The complaint says the realtor would encourage his accomplice to steal luxury items from 14 homes, sell them and use the proceeds to make payments on the realtor's credit card.

The realtor was arrested Wednesday. The accomplice pled not guilty and his bail was set at $1.2 million. Prosecutors say they will recommend bail of $1.73 mil for the realtor.

If convicted, the 2 men face a max of 31 years in prison.

It's just about time for Tekashi 6ix9ine to pay the piper, testifying in open court against his alleged kidnappers ... while knowing full well it could make his family members targets of gang retaliation.

The rapper -- who's currently incarcerated on federal racketeering charges -- is expected to testify next month about the kidnapping and assault he claims he fell victim to in 2018. Cops arrested a suspect in the case, who pled not guilty, and also claims Tekashi made up the whole thing.

FYI, the guy calling BS -- Anthony Ellison -- was formerly part of Tekashi's management team and cops believe he's affiliated with the Nine Trey Bloods, the same gang Tekashi was with prior to his bust. Bottom line ... they know each other well.

That's what makes this situation messy for Tekashi -- he's currently preparing to point the finger at this guy, and the potential ramifications are very serious. Sources connected to the case tell TMZ, 6ix9ine's crapping his pants over testifying -- worried about how his mother and brother could be harmed, and also for his own safety behind bars. We're told he knows this could make him a marked man for life.

Case in point ... look what happened to notorious mobster Whitey Bulger last year in prison.

We already know 6ix9ine has shelled out thousands for security to protect his mom, but even with that ... we're told he feels there's nowhere for his loved ones to hide if the Nine Trey Bloods want to get even with him for snitching.

There's really no way out of this jam for Tekashi ... he's required to cooperate with the feds, so if they want him to testify, he's gotta sing. His last hope would be for Ellison and prosecutors to strike an 11th-hour deal.

Barring that ... we're told Tekashi will look kinda different on the stand -- same face tats, but hardly any rainbow hair these days. Not a ton of salon time in prison ...