The rhythm of the night caught up to DeBarge.
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Two brothers from the popular group, James and Chico, were arrested in Burbank on Friday, Aug. 29, on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance.
What Happened to the DeBarge Brothers?
According to the New York Post, the incident happened around 1:30 a.m. Police caught a Chevy Tahoe towing a Nissan SUV with a strap. Authorities said neither vehicle had license plates.
The 63-year-old James was driving the Tahoe, while Chico, 60, was in the Nissan. Narcotics were found at the scene, which led to the brothers' arrest. Both vehicles were towed, and authorities said neither DeBarge brother was wearing a seatbelt.
This Isn't Chico's First Run-In With the Law
It was later discovered that Chico had an outstanding warrant, though police did not disclose what it was for.
Back in October 1988, Chico and his older brother Bobby DeBarge were arrested on drug charges. The pair was convicted for taking part in a conspiracy to smuggle over two pounds of cocaine from Los Angeles to Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Chico would spend several years in a federal prison. He would be arrested again in 2007, 2019, and early 2021. The latter also includes a charge of falsely impersonating James.
Last year, police in Burbank stopped Chico while he was riding a bike. The two-wheeler lacked proper lighting, and officers found methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. The singer was arrested and booked on an outstanding warrant.
Chico has been open about his dependence on drugs. His sixth album, Addiction, tackled the subject of his prison sentence and drug abuse.
Other members of DeBarge, including lead singer El DeBarge, have also been arrested on drugs and weapons-related charges over the years.
James also has a record. In 2010, he was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon involving a firearm.
He was then arrested twice the next year. One arrest was for suspicion of drug possession. He was then taken in again on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon.
Then in 2013, James went to jail for a hit-and-run involving possession of a controlled substance. The next year, he was arrested by Los Angeles police on suspicion of methamphetamine possession. James was held without bail because of his prior convictions.
