Rick Ross Surrenders to Police in Miami Beach, Denies Domestic Violence Charges

Key points

• Rick Ross (William Leonard Roberts II) was arrested on October 1, 2026, in Miami Beach on domestic violence charges.
• He faces felony battery by strangulation and misdemeanor battery charges stemming from an alleged incident on August 28.
• The victim reported the assault to police on September 29, providing sworn statements and photos of injuries.
• Ross surrendered voluntarily at a Miami Beach police station and was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.
• His attorney, Bradley Horenstein, requested expedited release due to Ross's celebrity status, but Judge Mindy Glazer set bail at $5,000.
• Ross denied the allegations outside jail, calling them 'fabricated' and stating plans to travel to Dubai and Paris.

Background

This case follows a pattern of public allegations against Rick Ross. In 2015, he was arrested in Georgia on charges of kidnapping, aggravated battery, and aggravated assault related to an attack on a groundskeeper. He pleaded no contest to aggravated assault in 2017, receiving time served, a $10,000 fine, and five years' probation. The current charges stem from an incident reported by a woman who had been in a relationship with Ross for about a year and lived with him at the time.

How outlets are covering it

The Washington Post and ABC News emphasize the legal proceedings and Ross's denial of the charges, noting his attorney's request for expedited release due to his celebrity status. NBC 6 South Florida and WPLG Local 10 provide detailed accounts of the alleged incident, including the victim's testimony that Ross struck her multiple times and choked her by twisting her hoodie collar. All sources agree that Ross was released on $5,000 bond and that his arraignment is scheduled for October 22. The Washington Post notes that the victim is not named in the affidavit, while WPLG Local 10 identifies the victim as Jazzma Kendrick, who previously posted online accusations of abuse. There is no disagreement on the core facts of the arrest and charges, but the sources differ in the level of detail provided about the alleged incident and the victim's identity.

Why it matters

The case highlights the legal and public scrutiny faced by celebrities accused of domestic violence. It also underscores the importance of timely reporting and evidence in domestic violence cases, as the victim in this case reported the incident a month after it allegedly occurred. The case may have implications for how domestic violence allegations against public figures are handled by law enforcement and the courts.

What to watch

Rick Ross's arraignment is scheduled for October 22, 2026. The case will proceed through the legal system, with the outcome dependent on the evidence presented, including the victim's testimony, injury photos, and any surveillance video. Ross's defense team has requested that the public not prejudge the case and allow the judicial process to run its course.