Crime & Arrests

Van Jones is working hard to bring light to prison reform and start a national conversation about our criminal justice system ... but he says a few celebs are outshining him.

We got the CNN host at Chelsea Studios in NYC Tuesday and asked who he thinks is stepping up the most for the cause ... he points to Meek Mill, calling him a "massive hero" for using his own case as a launching pad to help others.

Van then praises Kim Kardashian West for ignoring the skeptics and proving her ambitions and involvement are no joke ... and he believes it's a sign people from all walks of life have realized we have way too many prisoners in the U.S.

T.I. also gets a major shout-out for working with a church in Georgia to raise $120k to bail out 23 nonviolent offenders for Easter. Van says the rapper's "doing good by the hood," and if more people followed his lead ... things would improve very quickly.

Offset's now facing a felony gun possession charge ... the fallout from his arrest last summer in Georgia.

Prosecutors filed 3 charges against the rapper in February, stemming from his July 2018 arrest where he was pulled over for allegedly making an improper lane change.

The Clayton County D.A.'s Office tells TMZ ... Offset's facing a felony charge for firearms possession by a convicted felon, along with misdemeanor charges for marijuana possession and that lane change.

The good news for Offset -- a felony charge of possession of a weapon during the commission of a crime was dropped.

He entered a plea of not guilty last month and his next court date is scheduled for May.

We broke the story ... the Migos rapper's lawyer believes Offset was targeted because he's rich, successful and black, and believes the cop's initial traffic stop was completely bogus.

11:05 AM PT -- Mark and Tina tell TMZ, "At first we thought this comical legal document was a parody. Instead, this so-called lawsuit by the brothers is more of their lawyer driven nonsense, and a desperate attempt for them to stay relevant and further profit from an attack they admit they perpetrated."

They continue, "While we know this ridiculous lawsuit will soon be dismissed because it lacks any legal footing, we look forward to exposing the fraud the Osundairo brothers and their attorneys have committed on the public."

9:43 AM PT -- Ola was out and about Monday afternoon in Chicago ... looking carefree a day before he his brother, Abel, filed a lawsuit in federal court. Ola's asked if he thinks Jussie owes the City of Chicago an apology. He seems more psyched hanging out with his boy and their exotic pets.

8:35 AM PT -- The presser just ended and NOBODY asked why Abel and Ola are NOT suing Jussie. The brothers' attorney, Gloria Schmidt, read a statement on behalf of the brothers ... saying they can no longer sit back and watch lie after lie being fabricated about them.

7:45 AM PT -- The brothers' attorneys are holding a news conference in Chicago, and we'll be live streaming. The big question, of course ... WHY didn't Abel and Ola sue Jussie Smollett???

The 2 brothers who allegedly faked the Jussie Smollett attack are suing the actor's lawyers, Mark Geragos and Tina Glandian, for defamation, claiming the attorneys lied to the media and tried to make it appear Ola and Abel Osundairo were the culprits in a real, homophobic and racist attack.

The brothers filed the case in Chicago federal court, claiming Jussie "used his clout as a wealthy actor to influence [the brothers] who were in a subordinate relationship to him and were aspiring to 'make it.'"

The suit says when Tina Glandian went on 'GMA,' "Today" and the Reasonable Doubt podcast after the charges against Jussie were dismissed, she told a string of lies ... including the brothers wore whiteface during the attack and the brothers were involved in an illegal Nigerian steroid trafficking ring.

The lawsuit also claims Glandian falsely claimed one of the brothers "engaged in fornication with Mr. Smollett."

As for Geragos, the suit claims he "repeatedly indicated that plaintiffs conspired to criminally attack Mr. Smollett, and by doing so, implied plaintiffs committed perjury" to the Grand Jury and conspired to make false statements to the Chicago PD.

The suit doubles down and says the brothers never knew Jussie would go to the cops ... rather, he was staging the "attack" for social media.

The brothers say as a result of the alleged defamation they suffered extreme emotional distress, humiliation, anxiety, damages to their reputation, and damages to current and prospective business relations.

As we reported, Ola and Abel have had a tough time finding work, both as actors and personal trainers, in the wake of the scandal.

One final thing ... it's interesting the brothers did not sue Jussie, who also claimed they were the culprits in the alleged racist and homophobic attack.

7:45 AM PT -- A judge ruled Mingbi will be released on $5,000 bond on the condition she surrenders her passport and does not work in the spa/massage industry.

Cops have arrested another woman in the Robert Kraft prostitution case -- a 58-year-old who allegedly performed a sexual act on the Patriots owner with another woman at the Orchids of Asia Day Spa.

Jupiter Police arrested Shen Mingbi -- who cops say was in the massage room with Kraft on January 19, 2019.

According to the police report, Kraft was joined in the massage room by 2 women -- one of whom was Mingbi.

Officials say the encounter was captured on surveillance and shows both Mingbi and Lei Wang using their hands on Kraft's penis.

Officials say Mingbi was also involved in sexual acts with several other men at the spa.

Wang had already been arrested and charged in the case -- but now, officials have busted Mingbi too.

Mingbi has been formally charged with 1 count of deriving support from prostitution and 8 counts of offer to commit prostitution. She's in court right now (Tuesday) to face the charges.

As for Kraft, he's got a hearing on Friday where he'll continue to fight to block officials from releasing the spa video to the media.

Kraft has claimed the release of the video would hamper his ability to get a fair trial because it would taint the jury pool.

4/23 9:45 AM PT -- Culwell has been charged with 7 felony counts of animal cruelty, plus 7 misdemeanor counts of abandoning the dogs. She's facing 7 years in prison, if convicted.

6:43 PM PT -- A suspect is now in custody. Deborah Sue Culwell, a 54-year-old resident of Coachella, was arrested Monday around 5:30 PM PT.

Authorities are about to nab the woman caught on video throwing a bag of puppies into a dumpster in the city of Coachella ... TMZ has learned.

The Riverside County Animal Services has ID'd the woman and the agency says an arrest is imminent. We're told she'll face 7 felony counts of animal cruelty.

As we reported ... the woman was caught on video last week pulling up in a white Jeep Wrangler. She was seen carrying a bag of what turned out to be seven 3-day-old puppies ... which she then dumped into a trash bin. The puppies damn near died were it not for a Good Samaritan.

As you know ... it can get really hot in Coachella. It was in the mid-90s when the puppies were found. They were barely breathing when they were found by an individual rummaging through the trash bin. The puppies were taken to an Orange County shelter where they recovered.

If convicted on all counts, she faces up to 6 years behind bars.

Atlanta Falcons legend Roddy White was arrested in Georgia earlier this month -- after he was pulled over for a stupid carpool lane mishap ... and cops noticed a warrant out for his arrest.

Gwinnett County police officers say they saw the 37-year-old WR crossing the double lines to enter the carpool lane on I-85 on April 12 -- a big no-no -- and claimed Roddy's bonehead move put other drivers in danger.

During the stop, cops ran Roddy's name in the system and that's when things went from bad to worse ...

Turns out, there's a warrant out for Roddy -- who allegedly blew off a court date from a previous legal situation.

Cops say Roddy's driver's license had also been suspended -- so, he was arrested and hauled to a nearby station where he was booked and processed. His car, an Audi A8L, was impounded.

Unclear what the previous violation is ... but it seems to be another traffic-related incident since his license was suspended.

The whole thing sounds VERY similar to the case of Jacksonville Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette -- who was arrested in Florida earlier this month when a routine traffic stop revealed a warrant and suspended license too.

In Fournette's case, he had failed to pay a speeding ticket -- and then failed to show up to court. When he was stopped on April 11, cops handcuffed him at a car wash and took him in.

Fournette later paid the fine and now the case is closed. Seems like White will have a similar outcome.

We reached out to Roddy for comment -- so far, no word back.

The men who allegedly "attacked" Jussie Smollett at his behest are feeling the pain in the aftermath of the whole debacle ... because their acting careers have taken a major blow.

Sources close to the Osundairo brothers -- Abel and Ola -- tell TMZ ... the 2 have come up empty trying to land an agent in the past several weeks. We're told they've reached out to about 10 of the top agencies in Chicago and none have been interested in signing them.

This especially hurts right now because it's pilot season in the TV biz, and actors like the bros can't even get auditions without an agent.

What's worse is Abel actually HAD signed with the Gray Talent Group about a month before his involvement in the Jussie drama became known, and got dropped shortly afterward.

The reason he was given, according to our sources, was generic and didn't mention the Smollett case ... but it was obvious. We're told the agency told Abel it couldn't provide him the opportunities he desired, adding ... "parting ways with talented actors like yourself is a difficult decision and not a direct reflection on your character or your abilities."

Unfortunately for the Osundairos ... their fitness biz has tapered off as well. Our sources say while it seemed to be booming about a month ago, many of their potential clients turned out to be feigning interest in getting in shape and were really looking to get details on Jussie's case.

The good news -- at least for Abel -- is his boxing career is on the rise. He followed up his win in the semifinals of the prestigious Chicago Golden Gloves Tournament last month by winning the whole damn amateur competition last Friday ... in the first round.

Scott Speer roughed up his wife during a drunken rampage before trying to burn their house down, and he's now been booked for arson ... according to law enforcement sources.

The "Step Up Revolution" filmmaker was arrested last week at his San Fernando Valley home after cops and firefighters arrived at their place for an alleged domestic dispute.

We're told Speer had been drinking heavily when he got into a fight with his wife, who allegedly suffered some minor injuries. Cops say the spat culminated with Scott setting fire to a broom with the intention of lighting up the whole house.

Fortunately, the flames were extinguished ... but Speer was hauled away by cops and is facing a felony charge for arson. We're told domestic violence charges are possible as well.

Speer's bond was set at $250k ... he's posted it and has been released from custody.

We reached out to him ... no word back so far.

Soulja Boy and Bill Cosby are spending their first Easter Sunday behind bars, and they're about to find out what Suge Knight and Jared Fogle already know -- holiday dinners ain't all that special behind bars.

TMZ's obtained prison menus from across the country, and locked-up celebs are chowing down on some seriously depressing Easter feasts ... if you can call it that. Here's a breakdown of their options.

Soulja Boy at Los Angeles County Jail:

- Spaghetti, salad, bread and juice

Soulja's got terrible timing, he's in custody until April 30 after last week's arrest for a probation violation.

Cosby at Pennsylvania's SCI Phoenix:

- Baked chicken, bread dressing, carrots, gravy, bread and margarine, fresh apple

Cosby's serving 3 to 10 years for sexual assault.

Suge at San Diego's Richard J Donovan Correctional Facility:

- Hamburger, baked potato wedges, steamed corn, coleslaw, ice cream

Suge struck a plea deal in his murder case back in September and is serving a 28-year sentence. Remember, he's been behind bars since 2015 ... so, he knows the deal by now. No Easter baskets.

Jared at Colorado's FCI Englewood:

- Beef or soy tacos, Mexican or steamed rice, black beans, corn, shredded cheese and salsa

Let's be real -- anything's too good for the child pornographer who's doing at least 15 years.

Nipsey Hussle's murderer made a mad dash to a car with a driver who was waiting to speed away from the murder scene -- and it's all captured on video.

TMZ has seen the video -- shot from a surveillance camera in the area. You see the shooter race down an alley to the waiting car. The killer stops at the car for a second, then gets inside the passenger seat and the driver floors it. It's apparent from the video ... the driver was waiting to bolt from the scene.

As we reported, the driver of the car was interviewed by LAPD detectives 2 days after the murder, but was allowed to leave without being arrested. As we reported, law enforcement sources told TMZ, "Sometimes you have to give a little to get a lot." The clear intimation ... the driver was giving cops info.

It's now been several weeks and the driver still has not been arrested, although, our law enforcement sources tell us the LAPD and the L.A. County D.A. are "actively investigating."

One law enforcement source tells us, one of the hangups is whether the driver had knowledge the killer -- whom police believe is Eric Holder -- had a gun and was intent on murdering Nipsey. We're told the driver insisted she did not know his intent or that he was armed.

Our sources say when the car initially rolled up to The Marathon Clothing store, Holder was driving and the woman was the passenger. We're told Holder parked in the mini-mall parking lot next to the store. As the woman waited in the car, Nipsey and Holder had their initial conversation, in which Nipsey rebuffed him after suggesting he was a snitch -- which Holder denied.

Contrary to some reports, we're told the conversation continued without animosity. The 2 engaged in some sort of friendly hand gesture, after which, Holder walked over to the burger joint in the same mall, ordered something and eventually got in the car and left.

We're told the car returned a short time later to a street that is connected to the alley that leads to the mall. The woman was driving and Holder was a passenger. We're told after Holder got out and walked toward the mall, she kept the car running and waited for him to return.

Kodak Black is staring down the possibility of missing more shows on his tour, because Canadian authorities could bar him from entering the country for a couple of scheduled gigs North of the border.

Kodak's got concerts on deck Monday in Montreal and Tuesday in Toronto, but those shows are now in limbo because of his drug and gun bust at the Canada-U.S. border.

Sources at the Canada Border Services Agency tell TMZ ... anyone crossing the border into Canada must demonstrate that they meet the requirements to enter or stay in the country, and involvement in criminal activity is grounds to bar someone from entering.

Our sources at the CBSA wouldn't comment on whether or not Kodak would be admitted into Canada for his gigs, telling us everyone's eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis.

However, our law enforcement sources tell us anyone with a serious criminal history or anyone facing serious felony charges will likely have a difficult time entering Canada. We're told it's unlikely Kodak will be allowed into the country for those shows.

Kodak has some options if he's denied entry, such as requesting a Temporary Resident Permit ... but again, our sources say it's very unlikely Kodak would apply for the permit, because he doesn't meet all its criteria.

We broke the story ... Kodak was arrested on on weapons and drug charges at the U.S. border in New York after cutting through Canada on his way from Detroit to Boston. Cops say they found weed on Kodak and a gun in the car he was driving.

It was back in July when G-Eazy was denied entry into the country after his cocaine arrest during a trip to Sweden ... Chris Brown faced the same fate in 2015 because of his criminal past.

Kodak already missed shows in Boston and Connecticut because of the bust, and now it's looking increasingly likely he will miss at least 2 more.

We reached out to Live Nation for a status update on Kodak's Canadian gigs ... so far, no word back.

Erik Kramer just caught a huge break in his domestic violence case ... the ex-Bears QB won't spend a day behind bars despite admitting to roughing up his wife last year.

Kramer was arrested after he told cops he got physical with Cortney Baird during a fight at their Agoura Hills home in June 2018.

Baird claimed Kramer flipped out after she confronted him about an argument the two previously had ... saying Erik got violent and threw various household items at her.

Kramer was eventually charged with one count of misdemeanor battery for the incident ... and faced up to six months in jail if convicted.

But, TMZ Sports has learned the judge ordered Erik into an 18-month mental health diversion program ... meaning if he keeps his nose clean for the next year and a half, his charge will be dropped.

We're told Kramer is due back in court in August for a progress report hearing.

Wasn't a Good Friday for Esteban Loaiza ...

The ex-MLB star surrendered to authorities in San Diego on Friday to begin his 3-year prison sentence in his cocaine case -- and after his sentence, he's expected to be deported to Mexico.

As we previously reported, Loaiza -- who made more than $40 MILLION during his 14-year MLB career -- was arrested last year after cops say he was trying to move 44 pounds of cocaine from a house located near a school.

Cops say the coke stash is worth more than $500,000!!!

The 47-year-old was quiet and stone-faced as he walked into the federal courthouse on Friday -- not saying a word to the waiting media.

The whole story is insane ... Loaiza was busted by the San Diego County Sheriff's Dept. back in Feb. 2018 during a routine traffic stop.

Cops say a search of the baseball player's car led to the discovery of a "sophisticated aftermarket compartment used to conceal contraband."

Cops then got a warrant to search a home that Loaiza had been renting since early February -- located "steps away from an area preschool" -- and found roughly 20 kilograms of suspected cocaine.

Loaiza was initially booked into San Diego County Jail for 3 felonies -- Possession of cocaine over 20 kilograms, possession of cocaine for sale, and transportation of cocaine.

He later pled guilty to felony cocaine possession with intent to distribute.

Loaiza, the second-winningest pitcher from Mexico in MLB history, played for 8 different teams in his career -- earning over $43 million.

Cardi B is in NO mood to make a deal with prosecutors in her strip club beatdown case -- at least not the one she was offered Friday morning in court.

She was all business -- decked out in white -- as she walked through the rain, and into an NYC courthouse. As you know, Cardi's accused of ordering an attack on 2 strip club bartenders -- Jade and Baddie Gi -- last August. Cardi allegedly thought Jade had slept with her man, Offset.

Inside, prosecutors tried to play let's make a deal. The offer -- plead guilty to a misdemeanor, and get a conditional discharge. That would mean no jail time, but Cardi would have to stay out of trouble for some period of time.

That didn't appeal to her, and she rejected the deal before they could even discuss how long she'd have to keep her nose clean. The hearing didn't take long, and Cardi strolled back out ... silent as fans and photogs showed her love.

Cardi was arrested and booked in October for her alleged role in the strip club fight. She's facing charges of assault and reckless endangerment ... both misdemeanors.

"In 100 feet, your destination is on the left ... JAIL!!!"

Kodak Black's GPS probably didn't say those exact words but he is blaming it for getting busted at the border, because that's what made him unwittingly drive into Canada.

As we told you, the rapper set out Wednesday to drive himself from Detroit to Boston, punched the destination into his GPS, and it put him on the most direct route ... through Canada, NY and onto Massachusetts. The problem for KB, we're told, is he had no idea he was leaving the good ole U.S. of A.

We're told he didn't realize until he was asked to present a passport, and at that point, there was no turning back ... so they stayed on the route. TMZ broke the story ... Kodak and co. got arrested when they tried to get back on U.S. soil at the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge into NY's Niagara County.

Cops say they found a Glock 9mm pistol and weed in the Cadillac Escalade the rapper was driving. A Porsche traveling with Kodak's team was also popped for 2 loaded handguns and a third in the trunk ... plus more weed.

Kodak ultimately posted a $20k cash bond and hid behind a wad of cash as he left jail. Kodak was forced to cancel his show in Boston Wednesday night and his Thursday night show in Connecticut. His Friday night show in Philly is scheduled to go on as planned.

The lesson for Kodak? Actually READ the map, instead of just listening to the GPS voice.

4/19 -- G Herbo was released from jail late Thursday night, and went on Instagram Live to talk about the altercation.

Rapper G Herbo is facing a battery charge after an argument with his baby mama, Ariana Fletcher, allegedly turned physical ... TMZ has learned.

According to Atlanta Police ... the rapper and Ari got into it Wednesday morning -- mostly yelling at each other -- but at some point, cops say Herbo assaulted her. Cops say he then left the location with their son but later returned ... and after officers spoke to him, they arrested him for simple battery.

Cops say Ariana sustained minor scratches during the altercation, and right now it's unclear what triggered the alleged assault. Cops are continuing their investigation.

Perhaps complicating matters for G Herbo is the fact Ari is now dating boxer Gervonta Davis ... and is actually about 14 weeks pregnant with his child.

What's interesting is Ari and Gervonta were out partying Tuesday night at Allure Gentlemen's Club where G Herbo also happened to be. The trio was NOT there together. It's unclear if any encounter there might have led to the alleged assault the next morning.

Herbo is still in jail. His bond has been set at $2,000.

Originally Published -- 4/18 10:06 AM PT