GRAMMY AWARDS - PRODUCER SEAL JR ARRESTED

GRAMMY-nominated producer MANUEL SEAL JR has been arrested on charges of theft and trespassing.

The songwriter, 44, was taken into police custody on Tuesday night (01FEB05) for allegedly attempting to steal used tyres from a Fayetteville, Georgia tyre shop.

The musician, who has written and produced tracks for USHER, ALICIA KEYS and MARIAH CAREY, and a 21-year-old companion WENDALE PAXTON told local police they had permission from a store employee LARRY to remove the tyre from the premises.

However, the name Larry was unknown to the shop's owners, who claimed he didn't know the two men.

Seal Jr was released Wednesday (02FEB05) on $1,300 (GBP684) bond.

Seal Jr has been nominated for a Grammy for co-producing Keys and Usher's duet MY BOO at this month's (13FEB05) ceremony.