Florida rapper and Rick Ross protege Nino Breeze is free on bond after surrendering to federal authorities on a marijuana conspiracy charge, allowing him to spend the holiday season at home while the case proceeds, according to statements from his attorneys.
Nino Breeze, a Tampa native, turned himself in Monday to U.S. Marshals at the federal courthouse in Tampa. Federal prosecutors charged him with conspiracy to possess marijuana with intent to distribute, a felony offense that carries potential prison exposure if proven at trial. The surrender occurred days before Christmas.
Defense attorneys Bradford Cohen and Mark Rankin confirmed that Nino Breeze appeared before a federal judge later the same day. Following the hearing, the court authorized his release on bond. The judge ordered a $100,000 cash bond and required an additional $100,000 in property as collateral to secure his release.
During the hearing, the judge addressed the defendant directly, referencing his growing music career and public profile. The court encouraged him to continue pursuing his profession while complying with all court conditions as the case moves forward.
The ruling allowed Nino Breeze to return home ahead of the holidays rather than remain in pretrial detention. His attorneys framed the decision as an important step while they prepare their defense.
Rick Ross Protege Nino Breeze Arrested In Florida On Marijuana Possession
“Nino will be home for Christmas,” Cohen and Rankin said in a statement. “We look forward to examining the evidence and reaching a fruitful resolution through trial.”
The charge arrives as Nino Breeze continues to build momentum within the music industry. He is currently signed to Maybach Music Group, the record label founded by rapper Rick Ross. The label released Nino Breeze’s most recent EP earlier this summer, marking a notable milestone in his career.
Rick Ross has not commented publicly on the federal case. However, the artist and his label remain central to Nino Breeze’s professional trajectory. The signing positioned the rapper as an emerging figure within Florida’s hip-hop scene.
Earlier this year, Nino Breeze and Ross appeared together in a widely circulated interview unrelated to the case. The appearance highlighted their professional relationship amid growing attention around the artist.
Federal marijuana conspiracy cases typically turn on evidence of coordination, intent, and distribution activity. Prosecutors must establish participation in an agreement to distribute controlled substances. Defense strategies often focus on challenging the scope of the alleged conspiracy and the reliability of government evidence.
Nino Breeze has not issued a public statement regarding the charge. His legal team has remained focused on court proceedings rather than media commentary.
For now, the rapper remains free under court supervision. The case remains pending in federal court in Florida.
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