Tazman Johnson, the son of late funk singer Rick James, is in Los Angeles County custody while facing drug-related charges tied to an earlier fentanyl arrest.
TMZ reported that Johnson was arrested on April 29 on a felony warrant and a no-bail warrant. Court documents obtained by the outlet say the case traces back to a March 2024 arrest involving alleged fentanyl possession.
Johnson was charged with misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance and misdemeanor drug paraphernalia after the 2024 arrest, according to TMZ. He later pleaded not guilty to both charges.
The case remains active. TMZ also reported that Johnson is facing a separate burglary charge connected to a 2019 arrest.
The Case Started With a 2024 Fentanyl Arrest
Rick James’ Son Tazman Johnson In Jail, Facing Drug Charges https://t.co/9lM7Ls9H1P
— TMZ (@TMZ) June 12, 2026
TMZ reported that Johnson was initially arrested in March 2024 for possession of fentanyl and released from custody on bond. A judge later issued a $10,000 bench warrant after Johnson allegedly missed a court appearance.
The warrant remained active until Johnson was arrested in April 2026, according to the outlet. Jail records obtained by TMZ show he was booked on a felony warrant and a no-bail warrant.
Johnson Pleaded Not Guilty
Johnson pleaded not guilty last month to the misdemeanor drug possession and paraphernalia charges, TMZ reported. The outlet did not report a conviction, plea deal, or sentencing in the drug case.
Sources close to Johnson told TMZ that he is participating in a program while in jail and focusing on his music career. The report did not identify the program or list the next court date.
He Is One of Rick James’ Children
Johnson is one of Rick James’ three children. TMZ identified his mother as Tanya Hijazi, who was also part of James’ later public life.
Rick James died in August 2004 at age 56. The singer remains best known for funk hits including “Super Freak,” while later documentaries and profiles have also covered the addiction and legal troubles that followed him in the final decades of his life.
The Current Case Is About Johnson’s Charges
The new report concerns Johnson’s custody status, not-guilty plea, warrants, and pending charges. Rick James’ public history gives the story name recognition, but Johnson is the person facing the current legal case.
TMZ reported that Johnson remains in Los Angeles County Jail as the drug case and separate burglary charge continue through court.