Tokyo police have arrested a man who performs music under the name JESSE on suspicion of using cocaine, in violation of the Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Act, the Metropolitan Police Department said. The suspect was named as Jesse Farden Sorato Mac, known as JESSE, the vocalist of the rock bands RIZE and The BONEZ.
The official website of RIZE and The BONEZ was updated after the arrest with a statement from the agency that manages the bands. "Today there were reports that our artist JESSE had been arrested," the statement said. "We take seriously that this situation has come about."
The agency apologized to fans and to parties connected to the bands. "We sincerely and deeply apologize to the fans who always support us, and to everyone concerned, for the great worry and trouble we have caused," the statement said.
Agency says it is confirming the facts
The statement said the agency is still working to establish what happened. "We are proceeding with confirmation of the facts," it said, adding that it would act once that was done: "After confirming the facts, we will deal with this strictly and appropriately."
According to investigative sources, police suspect JESSE used a small quantity of cocaine in or around Tokyo on the fourth of the month or shortly before. A urine test came back positive, the sources said.
The arrest adds to a run of drug and other criminal cases involving entertainers whose agencies have issued similar pledges to respond strictly. In each case the statement has come after the arrest, and the agency has said it is still confirming the facts.