Indiana man accused of sending lewd text messages about Ashanti to her mom’s cell phone

DA: Ind. man sent lewd messages to Ashanti’s mom

NEW YORK — Authorities say an Indiana man deluged Ashanti’s mother with crude text messages about the singer and a photograph of the mother’s home.

Devar Hurd could go to trial in Manhattan next week on stalking and aggravated harassment charges.

Authorities say he sent dozens of messages before his July arrest to the cell phones of Ashanti’s mother, Tina Douglas, and her husband.

They say the messages gushed lewdly about Ashanti’s performances and lamented her relationship with the rapper Nelly. Authorities say one message asked about visiting her mother’s home, and included a photo.

The 31-year-old Hurd has pleaded not guilty and is being held on $50,000 bond. His lawyer declined comment. An Ashanti spokeswoman says the singer feels authorities have addressed the issue.