Burbank police arrested R&B artists James DeBarge, 63, and Jonathan Chico DeBarge, 60, early Friday morning on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance. The arrest occurred around 1:30 a.m. when officers observed a Chevrolet Tahoe towing a Nissan SUV, neither of which displayed license plates. James DeBarge was driving the Tahoe, while Chico DeBarge was a passenger in the towed Nissan.
Narcotics Found at Scene
During the traffic stop, police discovered narcotics at the scene, leading to the arrests of both brothers, according to NBC4. Neither individual was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the stop. Both vehicles were impounded by authorities.
Chico DeBarge also had an outstanding warrant at the time of his arrest, though the specifics of the warrant were not immediately disclosed. This latest arrest adds to a history of drug-related charges for Chico DeBarge, including a 1988 conviction for a cocaine smuggling conspiracy for which he served federal prison time. He has faced subsequent drug possession charges in 2007, late 2019, and early 2021. The 2021 case also involved an accusation of impersonating his brother James. Just over a year prior to Friday's arrest, Chico DeBarge was stopped by Burbank police while riding a bicycle without proper lighting and subsequently arrested on an outstanding warrant after officers found methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
James DeBarge's Legal History
James DeBarge also has a documented history of legal issues. He was arrested in 2010 on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon involving a firearm. In October 2011, he was arrested twice, once for suspicion of drug possession and again for suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, leading to convictions in 2012. In 2013, he was arrested for a hit-and-run incident that also involved possession of a controlled substance. In April 2014, Los Angeles police arrested James DeBarge in South Los Angeles on suspicion of possessing methamphetamine, and he was held without bail due to prior convictions.
The DeBarge family, known for hits like "Rhythm of the Night" and "I Like It," has experienced a pattern of legal troubles, with other siblings also facing arrests related to drugs and weapons. Chico DeBarge has publicly addressed his struggles with addiction, including themes explored in his 2007 album "Addiction."