According to police reports, cops were called to the hotel about a suspicious black Mercedes. They searched it and found cocaine in a purse on the seat and in a sunglass case. The driver of the car, 33-year-old Noel Andres Perez Delgado, first said it belonged to two women he'd dropped at the hotel, then later claimed everything in the car was his. He was charged with possession of cocaine with intent to sell. Police noted that one of the purses in the car contained $1,000 and six condoms, "which is indicative of someone committing or attempting to commit prostitution."
Cops went to the hotel room and encountered nine people. One of them, 24-year-old Chanel Martinez Lugo admitted to having cocaine, which was given to her at her work — the strip club Pure Platinum. Katia Hernandez was determined to be the owner of the purse and sunglass case that had been in the car, and she was charged with possession of cocaine. Police asked if anyone else had illegal substances and Dale Gary Ledbetter, who turns 48 today, turned over his backpack. He was arrested for possession of marijuana and paraphernalia.
The story might not have made news except that a tipster told TMZ that he'd been in the room and the cops were starstruck, so had purposely left Zac Brown's name out of the report.
Today, Brown released a statement that says:
My dad always said nothing good ever happens when you stay out late. It’s a lesson I learned the hard way last week, being in the wrong place at the wrong time. I attended a private gathering at a Miami-area hotel and had only been there for a short time when police officers arrived and arrested two people in the room who had just showed up a few minutes before. I did not know these people and had no idea that there were drugs in their possession. I cooperated fully with the authorities and am not part of any ongoing police investigation. Everyone is responsible for their actions, and I regret using poor judgment and putting myself in that position.Reports say Brown had been in town for a charity auction.
I am focused on continuing to make great music for my fans, and on representing my family and community well with our philanthropic work.
And next time I'll make sure to remember what my dad taught me.
- Zac