Country singer Bailey Zimmerman has released a statement following the news that he is facing felony and misdemeanor charges in New Mexico.
TMZ reported on Monday (June 22nd) that Zimmerman was facing two charges: a “felony charge for criminal damage to property” and a “misdemeanor charge of falsely obtaining services.” E! News reports that the felony charge is a fourth-degree felony.
These charges stem from the allegations that Zimmerman caused over $16,000 worth of damage in a hotel room in New Mexico and didn’t pay for a $400 tab at that hotel.
Police filed paperwork on June 18th to obtain an arrest warrant for Zimmerman.
Zimmerman finally spoke about the charges on Tuesday (June 23rd), breaking his silence in a statement cited by PEOPLE and other outlets.
“First things first, I want to apologize to the Pueblo of Sandia and to everyone at Sandia Resort & Casino,” the statement read. “I never meant for any of this to come across as disrespectful. I am deeply sorry for my actions that transpired. I respect your community and the hospitality and appreciate the opportunity that was given to me to perform on Native Land. I take full accountability for everything that happened and I am sorry to anyone who feels hurt or disrespected.”
The statement continued, as Zimmerman spoke to his fans
“…I am so sorry, you deserved better from me. I understand that being a musician comes with big responsibilities, both on and off stage, and I know that I fell short that day. I am reflecting on the disappointment and concern that I caused.”
In conclusion, Zimmerman said:
“I am taking this legal matter seriously. I am committed to doing the work necessary to learn and grow. Thank you to my fans for holding me accountable and for understanding that I am human. I do not take your support for granted.”
More Details About The Charges And Allegations Against Bailey Zimmerman
According to the legal documents obtained by TMZ, Bailey Zimmerman allegedly trashed his hotel room the same day he was supposed to sing at the amphitheater at the Sandia Resort and Casino (May 27th).
Zimmerman ended up canceling that performance and another scheduled for May 30th, saying at the time that he had “not been feeling well.”
Some of the items Zimmerman allegedly damaged in his hotel room include a TV, a phone, a coffee table, and two chairs. Plus, two additional chairs were reported missing from the room.
Beyond that, it’s been alleged that Zimmerman’s hotel room had a hole in one wall, damage to other walls, and stains on the carpet.
The documents also contain claims that Zimmerman appeared to be intoxicated during his stay, with hotel security reportedly telling police he was “stumbling, falling, and acting belligerently onstage for sound check.”
An affidavit in the case alleges that Zimmerman threw microphones and cymbals onstage, knocked over a drum kit, and spit at a security guard. Furthermore, the documents claim that when he arrived back at the hotel, Zimmerman was “stumbling” and needed to lean on another person while he walked.
The affidavit cited by TMZ alleges that Zimmerman was kicked out of the hotel and escorted off the property in a hotel-provided bus. The arrest warrant was issued after resort staff and the police reportedly attempted to contact Zimmerman about the alleged damage to his room, but they received no response.
We’ll share more details about this story as they emerge.
