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Less than a week after rapper GloRilla, born Gloria Hallelujah Woods, turned herself in to authorities in Forsyth County on drug charges, she is receiving support from a Georgia lawmaker who says the arrest highlights a troubling pattern in the criminal justice system.
State Rep. Eric Bell of Jonesboro Speaks Out
State Representative Eric Bell, a Democrat from Jonesboro, issued a public statement Wednesday expressing concern over the arrest, which followed a reported burglary and possible gunfire at Woods’ Forsyth County home on July 20. Bell called the situation “disheartening” and used it as an example of how crime victims—particularly Black victims—are sometimes criminalized when seeking help from law enforcement.
“No one, regardless of fame, background, or zip code, should fear being criminalized for doing the right thing,” Bell said. “Unfortunately, stories like hers are not rare. Too often, victims of crime — especially Black victims — face the threat of arrest simply for seeking help from law enforcement.”
Bell is now urging fellow lawmakers to consider legislation that would prevent crime victims from being arrested for unrelated offenses when they engage with police in good faith.
The Arrest and the Backstory
According to the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to Woods’ home on July 20 after a burglary was reported and possible shots were fired. Investigators say they smelled marijuana at the residence and obtained a search warrant, which allegedly led to the discovery of a significant quantity of marijuana in the master bedroom closet.
Woods, who was reportedly out of town at the time of the incident, was not present during the initial investigation but later turned herself in. She now faces charges of possession of a controlled substance and possession of more than one ounce of marijuana. She has since posted bond.
Legal Team Says GloRilla Is a Victim, Not a Suspect
Attorneys Marissa Goldberg and Drew Findling, who are representing Woods, strongly criticized the arrest, saying it reflects misplaced law enforcement priorities.
“Ms. Woods is a victim, not a suspect,” they said in a statement. “This is a disturbing window into how warped law enforcement priorities have become. She was not home when the burglary occurred, and it was family members staying at the residence who contacted police to report the break-in. This is our tax dollars at work, absolutely unbelievable.”
Looking Ahead
The case has sparked broader discussion about the treatment of crime victims and the need for criminal justice reform. Rep. Bell’s proposed legislation, if introduced, could address what he sees as a systemic issue—ensuring that individuals are not penalized when they engage law enforcement in times of need.
As for GloRilla, the Memphis-born rapper and rising star now finds herself at the center of a legal and political debate that could have implications far beyond her own case.
Rep. Eric Bell Issues Statement in Support of GloRilla and HB 464. Read more here: https://t.co/7tsHsRyd6h #gapol #gahouse
— Georgia House of Representatives (@GaHouseHub) July 30, 2025
CRAZY‼️ My House got Home Invaded Saturday
— GloRilla 🦍 (@GloTheofficial) July 24, 2025
While I was in Indianapolis performing for the WNBA all star game & instead of Focusing on finding the Suspects , they focus on some cannabis
1. So no I wasn’t busted
2. My house got robbed
3. I wasn’t home
Long story short my…
Glorilla got a fire mugshot tho ❤️ pic.twitter.com/goDGBH0EgT
— MASTER STUDENT🤲🏾 (@MUSICANDBUILDS) July 24, 2025
