Rapper wanted on warrant arrested at CD release party

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – An Ohio rapper celebrating the release of his new CD was arrested at a party inside the Youngstown studio where he makes his music.

Police surrounded the Youngstown Hitsville Studio, LLC, 1804 Oak Street, about 6 p.m. Tuesday, after they spotted Anthony Mascarella inside the building, celebrating with fans and friends.

Officers with the United States Marshals Office and the Youngstown Police Department were keeping an eye on Mascarella because he had a warrant out of Columbiana County for failure to appear for sentencing on a drug possession conviction.

Once they spotted Mascarella at the party, officers surrounded the building and went inside. Once in the building, Mascarella pulled out a gun and threw it on the floor near a small child, according to a police report. Officers immediately retrieved the firearm.

Mascarella was taken outside and arrested on the outstanding warrant. A search of his clothing uncovered over $6,000 in cash and baggies with prescription medication, including Tramadol, Percocet, and Endocet. Police also discovered that the handgun was reported stolen.

Mascarella now faces several additional charges, including drug possession, having a weapon under disability, and receiving stolen property.

He is was turned over to deputies in Columbiana County and is being held in the Columbiana County Jail.