Chico DeBarge and his brother James DeBarge were arrested following a late-night traffic stop when police discovered narcotics in their vehicles.
- September 4, 2026
AceShowbiz - Chico DeBarge and his brother James DeBarge were arrested following a late-night traffic stop when police discovered narcotics in their vehicles. The brothers were stopped after authorities noticed their Chevrolet Tahoe and the Nissan SUV it was towing lacked license plates.
James DeBarge, 63, was driving the Chevrolet Tahoe, which was towing the Nissan SUV. Chico DeBarge, 60, was a passenger in the Nissan, which was being towed with a tow strap. Neither brother was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the stop. Narcotics suspected to be fentanyl and methamphetamine were found at the scene, leading to their arrest on suspicion of possessing controlled substances. Additionally, Chico was booked on an outstanding warrant related to a non-drug civil matter, though details of the warrant have not been made public.
Chico DeBarge is known as a singer and musician from Detroit, with a career spanning several decades including solo albums released in the 1980s and 1990s. He is part of the well-known DeBarge family, famous for their R&B and pop hits like Rhythm of the Night and I Like It. Chico has openly addressed his struggles with addiction in the past, including a prison sentence related to drug charges, and has been making efforts to focus on his music and personal wellness, preparing for the 30th anniversary of his album Long Time No See.
This latest arrest highlights ongoing challenges faced by the DeBarge brothers, particularly Chico DeBarge, who has a history of drug-related legal issues dating back to the early 2000s. While the family remains celebrated for their musical legacy, this incident underscores the continuing intersection of personal struggles and public life for artists in the spotlight.