James DeBarge and his brother Chico DeBarge were taken into custody by the Burbank Police Department on the morning of August 28, 2026. The arrests occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. in Burbank, California, after officers said the siblings were suspected of possessing a controlled substance.
According to the police statement, both brothers were detained on suspicion of having the illegal drug in their possession. The department has not released further details about the nature of the substance or any additional charges at this time. The arrest was recorded as a single incident involving the two men, and the police report lists the event under the date and time noted above.
James and Chico DeBarge are part of the DeBarge family, a musical group that achieved prominence with R&B and pop recordings in the 1970s and 1980s. The family’s catalog includes several chart‑topping songs that remain influential in contemporary music circles. Both James and Chico have pursued solo projects and occasional collaborations since the group’s peak years.
The brothers' recent legal trouble adds a new chapter to the public record of a family that has long been associated with the entertainment industry. While the DeBarge name is widely recognized for its contributions to music, the current investigation focuses solely on the alleged drug possession incident. No statements have been issued by the brothers' representatives, and no court appearance dates have been announced.
Law enforcement officials confirmed that the case is ongoing and that further information will be provided as the investigation proceeds. The Burbank Police Department urged anyone with additional knowledge of the incident to come forward, though no further public outreach was noted in the initial report.
The arrest of James and Chico DeBarge underscores the routine responsibilities of local police in addressing suspected drug offenses, regardless of the individuals’ public profiles. The situation remains under review, and updates will be reported as they become available.