A rep for Felicia “Snoop” Pearson says the actress was arrested Thursday on drug charges in Baltimore because of her role as a hitman and drug dealer on The Wire.
“Felicia Pearson has the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty,” read the statement. “In Felicia’s case, she feels that she is being targeted not only because of her portrayal of the memorable character Snoop on HBO’s critically acclaimed series The Wire but also because of where she is from in Baltimore.”
STORY: Wire creator David Simon reacts to Snoop’s arrest
A judge denied Pearson — who is one of 64 people charged in a joint state-federal prosecution of a drug ring — bail Friday. According to the Associated Press, officers seized $69,000, four guns, marijuana and heroin in the bust.
“Felicia has overcome numerous hard ships in her lifetime. She does not expect these hardships to be used as an excuse for illegal activities,” the rep added. “She has never stopped working on self improvement. Felicia has made strong statements against drugs and violence of any kind. She is focused on living a positive life-style encouraging youth and formerly incarcerated women to make positive choices for themselves.
The rep says Pearson is currently filming three movies, including one in Philadelphia.
“Felicia hopes to return to the Philadelphia film set immediately, and wants her friends and fans to know that she is keeping her head up, shoulders back and that she is prepared to fight these new charges against her.”
Pearson was arrested on drug charges in 2008, and was convicted of second-degree murder when she was 14.
