R&B singer Chico DeBarge ‘charged with drug possession and DUI after posing as brother James’

Eighties R&B singer Chico DeBarge ‘is charged with drug possession, DUI and false impersonation after posing as his brother James during arrest’

Singer Chico DeBarge has been reportedly charged with drug possession, DUI and false impersonation after pretending to be his brother James during a traffic stop.

The R&B musician, 54, who rose to fame in the 1980s alongside his siblings in the group DeBarge, was pulled over in Burbank, California, last week for driving without his headlights on at night and not having license plates, according to TMZ.

However, when he allegedly failed to produce any form of identification, the website reports that he told officers he was his 57-year-old brother James.

DUI: Singer Chico DeBarge has been reportedly charged with drug possession, DUI and false impersonation after pretending to be his brother James during a traffic stop. Pictured in 2015 

TMZ reports that Chico, who is said to have been driving with two female passengers, was found to have ‘methamphetamines and heroin on him during a search’.

He is said to have been subsequently properly identified during the booking process following his arrest.

While he was reportedly arrested and booked on January 13, he is said to have finally been released on Friday after making bail.

Things have been particularly trying for Chico over the past year, as his 235-year-old son Dontae was stabbed to death in Van Nuys, California, back in April.

Brother: When he allegedly failed to produce any form of identification last week, TMZ reports that he told officers he was his brother James, 57, pictured left with Luke James in 2014

Brother: When he allegedly failed to produce any form of identification last week, TMZ reports that he told officers he was his brother James, 57, pictured left with Luke James in 2014

In November 2019, the Talk To Me crooner was found with methamphetamine when he was stopped by police in Burbank earlier this month, according to TMZ.

Chico was first approached by authorities after being seen using a piece of wire to try and open an SUV parked in a Walmart parking lot.  

His behaviour prompted police to approach and search Chico, who was found to have meth on him. 

The vehicle turned out to be his own, but he was attempting to find a way in after locking the keys inside.

Troubles: Things have been particularly trying for Chico (pictured in 1999) over the past year, as his 235-year-old son Dontae was stabbed to death in Van Nuys, California, back in April

Troubles: Things have been particularly trying for Chico (pictured in 1999) over the past year, as his 235-year-old son Dontae was stabbed to death in Van Nuys, California, back in April 

Upon searching his vehicle, authorities also found drug paraphernalia.  He was booked at Burbank City jail and later released.

Chico rose to fame for his 1986 hit single Talk To Me. But his career was put on hold when he was sent to prison for drug trafficking in the late ’80s.

In 2007, Chico was arrested for drug possession in California and later went to rehab. He has been open about his struggle with substance abuse, titling his 2009 album Addiction.

His fellow musician brother James famous tied the knot with Janet Jackson in 1984, though their marriage was annulled the following year. 

Success: DeBarge rose to fame for his 1986 hit single Talk To Me. He is pictured in 2000 above

Success: DeBarge rose to fame for his 1986 hit single Talk To Me. He is pictured in 2000 above

Marriage: His fellow musician brother James famous tied the knot with Janet Jackson in 1984, though their marriage was annulled the following year. Pictured in 1985

Marriage: His fellow musician brother James famous tied the knot with Janet Jackson in 1984, though their marriage was annulled the following year. Pictured in 1985