Egg-Gate: Justin Bieber’s Home Raided By Police, Pal Lil Za Arrested Twice

Justin Bieber wasn’t arrested during a Tuesday search by Los Angeles police investigators looking for surveillance footage or evidence that might link the pop singer to an egg-throwing vandalism incident that damaged his neighbor’s home, but his friend Lil Za was.

Twice, in fact.

Rapper Lil Za, 20, whose real name is Xavier Smith, was first arrested on suspicion of felony drug possession during the 8 am raid by roughly 12 investigators executing a felony search warrant at Bieber’s Calabasas, California home, Sheriff’s Lt. David Thompson told the press at a Malibu news conference after the search.

Although Thompson said cocaine was found “in plain view” as police searched for evidence related to the egging, authorities subsequently said they believed the substances could be MDMA, or “Molly,” also known as Ecstasy. Xanax was also mentioned.

Thompson also said that Bieber “was not connected to the [drugs] other than the gentleman was staying at his residence.”

The reason for this was explained in more detail by L.A. County Sheriff’s spokesman Steve Whitmore.

“The alleged narcotics were in such a location that they were directly related to one person and not related to the house at large,” he told BBC Newsbeat, adding “it is possible” the drug was cocaine, but said tests would confirm.

If the alleged drug is found to be cocaine, Lil Za could face a prison sentence of three years if he is charged and convicted. “Molly” possession could mean a maximum of around one year incarceration.

After he was arrested, Smith was led out from Bieber’s $6.5 million house in handcuffs by deputies and driven to the Lost Hills Sheriff’s station. According to jail records, Za was held on $20,000 bail.

However, the rapper’s bad day got worse minutes before he was due to be released after posting bail for alleged possession of felony narcotics.

“He was additionally charged with vandalism while still in lockup,” said L.A. County Sheriff’s Lt. Michael Williams of the Lost Hills station. “He damaged a phone on the wall,” the Los Angeles Times reports. His bail was reset to a reported $75,000.

The arrests came after Bieber, Za, and six others were detained during the police raid.

At the conference, Lt. Thompson said the “Heartbreaker” singer wasn’t questioned beyond routine questions. He said he expected the singer to speak with detectives about the egging incident when his attorneys could be present.

“He has not been arrested, nor has he been exonerated,” Thompson said of Bieber.

Thompson declined to detail evidence taken from the Canadian’s home, but rebutted claims it involved eggs.

He added that based on the damage estimate given by Bieber’s neighbor – $20,000 for alleged damage to exterior Venetian plaster work bricks, paint, wood, and doors – the initial misdemeanor vandalism and assault offense had risen to a felony as it exceeded $400.

“The felony comes from the dollar amount of the damage,” Thompson said.

He added:”This residence sustained a great amount of damage that easily achieved the amount. I get that the eggs don’t seem that significant, but it does rise to the level of a felony. There is a victim in this case who has extensive damage done to their home. And that’s a serious incident.”

Previous investigations against Justin for alleged reckless driving in Calabasas, an alleged assault of a paparazzo near the community, and an alleged battery of his neighbor did not lead to charges by prosecutors.

Thompson denied the felony warrant was intended to send Bieber a message, but said he hoped it might alter future conduct.

“We didn’t do this search warrant to send a message, that’s not what we do,” he said.

“This has nothing to do with him being a celebrity. This is a felony crime,” adding,”But we hope maybe understanding the gravity of this will change some of the behavior.”

Four helicopters hovered over the neighborhood hours after the warrant was served, AP reports.

Bieber’s publicist, Melissa Victor, has not responded to media requests for a comment on the egg-throwing investigation.