DMX at Roots Picnic
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Photo Credit: Averic Cole for Okayplayer
After pleading guilty to tax evasion late last year, DMX is now heading to jail for bail violations.
READ: DMX Pleads Guilty To $1.7 Million Tax Evasion
DMX, real name Earl Simmons, was arrested Tuesday morning after he allegedly tested positive for drugs, according to a report from the New York Daily News. Manhattan Judge Jed Rakoff accused the rapper of lying about complying with the conditions of his bail, and also claimed that Simmons was found with opiates, cocaine, and oxycodone in his system.
Murray Richman, Simmons' attorney, claims the rapper took drugs in an attempt to cope with his child's illness, with his one-year-old son hospitalized earlier this month for having a 104-degree fever. Richman added that Simmons left a rehabilitation center so he could see his sick son.
"I'd like to tell you I have total control of his movements, I don't," Richman told the judge. "I cannot make excuses anymore."
Speaking with TMZ, U.S. Attorney Spokesman Nicholas Biase said that prosecutors referenced a video of Simmons in court Tuesday. In the footage, which was taken at a St. Louis airport bar, the rapper can be seen buying and taking shots at the bar, which is a violation of his bail conditions. Simmons had been given some leeway to travel for performances.
Back in July of last year, the rapper was charged with 14 counts, with the IRS maintaining that he failed to file personal tax returns for several years and owes the government at least $1.7 million.
DMX faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison but could possibly avoid serving time with his plea deal. As a part of the plea deal he also has to pay the IRS back their money. Now, DMX will remain in custody until the date of his tax evasion sentencing, which is currently set for March 29.
Source: New York Daily News
