HARRIS COUNTY — A Harris County judge has not yet decided whether to grant bond to rapper Warren Brown, better known as Cartel Bo, after hearing hours of testimony Monday during an 11D bond hearing on aggravated kidnapping and related allegations involving the mother of his children.
The hearing centered on testimony from a defense investigator who interviewed the complainant after she signed an affidavit of non-prosecution. The investigator testified the complainant stated no one coerced or forced her into signing the affidavit, said Brown never kidnapped or assaulted her, and voluntarily drove herself to Brown’s residence.
According to the investigator’s testimony, the complainant said she and Brown created OnlyFans content involving handcuffs and other adult props as part of consensual sexual activity. He testified the two engaged in consensual sexual acts in multiple rooms of the home and that the handcuffs referenced in the case were used during that content.
The investigator also testified the complainant declined a sexual assault examination, repeatedly told medical staff she had not been raped, and felt pressured by law enforcement during the investigation. According to the testimony, she said officers repeatedly encouraged her to provide statements against Brown despite her saying she did not want to pursue those claims.
He further testified the complainant described a separate incident in Dallas in which unidentified men allegedly assaulted her and damaged her cellphone. The investigator said she told him Brown did not cause the injuries documented in the current case.
During cross-examination, prosecutors questioned the investigator about Brown’s criminal history, including prior felony convictions, allegations he previously cut off an ankle monitor and fled to Miami, and claims Brown contacted the complainant before the hearing regarding the affidavit of non-prosecution. Prosecutors also referenced photographs of injuries, video evidence they said showed the complainant fleeing the home naked while wearing handcuffs, and other evidence collected during the investigation.
During closing arguments, Brown’s attorney argued bond should not be punitive and said Brown has upcoming performances that provide income to support his children and pay for his legal defense. Prosecutors argued Brown should remain jailed, citing the seriousness of the allegations, what they described as an ongoing pattern of domestic violence, and concerns for public safety.
Judge Kelli Johnson did not immediately rule on the bond request, instead taking the matter under advisement. Brown remains in custody while the court reviews the evidence presented during the hearing.
During a press conference following the hearing, Brown’s attorney, Samuel L. Milledge II, said the defense presented what he described as new exculpatory evidence and urged the public not to rush to judgment.
“Allegations are nothing more than an uncorroborated statement.”
Milledge said evidence, not allegations, should determine the outcome of the case and that he believes the defense presented evidence supporting Brown’s request for bond.
Dr. Candice Matthews also addressed reporters after the hearing, saying testimony about the 911 calls raised questions for her. Matthews noted testimony that the initial 911 call reported a missing person before a later call alleged a kidnapping, and pointed to testimony that the caller had a connection to an ongoing custody dispute involving the couple. She said those circumstances should be carefully considered as the court reviews the evidence.
Quanell X also criticized prosecutors for referencing Brown’s rap videos and social media posts during the hearing. He argued that prosecutors are increasingly using rappers’ entertainment content against them in criminal cases while not applying the same standard to other entertainers. Quanell X said actors who portray violence, killings and other crimes in Hollywood productions are generally not judged by the fictional characters they portray, but argued rappers often see their lyrics, music videos and online content introduced against them in court. He also urged hip-hop artists to recognize that prosecutors may use their entertainment content during future criminal proceedings.
Judge Johnson is expected to issue a decision after reviewing the remaining evidence submitted by both sides. Until then, Cartel Bo remains in custody.
You can watch the full press conference below:
