Rapper DMX
turned himself in to authorities on federal charges of tax fraud Thursday,
according to New York prosecutors.
The
recording artist, whose given name is Earl Simmons, allegedly engaged in a
multi-year scheme to hide millions of dollars in income from authorities and
owes $1.7 million in taxes.
Acting
Manhattan US Attorney Joon Kim said the performer took in millions from his
performances, television shows and songs — including the 2003 hit “X Gon’ Give
it to Ya” — but evaded paying taxes on his earnings by “avoiding personal bank
accounts, setting up accounts in other’s names and paying personal expenses
largely in cash.”
“Celebrity
rapper or not, all Americans must pay their taxes,” Kim said in a statement.
“We will pursue those who deliberately and criminally evade this basic
obligation of citizenship.”
Following
his arrest the 46-year-old — known for his deep, rough voice and often dark or
violent lyrics — is due to appear Friday in Manhattan federal court.
A native of
Yonkers, New York, he was charged with 14 counts and could face more than 40
years in prison.
DMX, who
gained fame in the early nineties, has a colorful criminal history. He has been
arrested over offenses including drug possession, reckless driving, animal
cruelty and failing to pay child support.
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