DMX pleads guilty to tax evasion, may face time behind bars

Earlier this year, DMX was arrested on 14 counts of federal count evasion, with the government claiming the veteran rapper owes $1.7 million in back taxes.

During the summer, the 46-year-old was placed on house arrest for violating the conditions of his bond and reportedly failing four drug tests, with the judge later lifting the ruling so that he could enter a treatment facility.

Most recently, DMX has accepted a plea deal and pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion, admitting that he had concealed money to avoid paying the IRS.

As reported, DMX could face up to five years in prison, with his sentencing set for March 29 of next year. However, the scheduled date may be pushed back depending on how his rehabilitation for drug and alcohol goes.

Acting U.S. Attorney Joon Kim said in a press release that DMX evaded the Internal Revenue Service by insisting to be paid in cash whenever possible, as well as by having royalty payments diverted to the accounts of financial surrogates. Additionally, it was reported that the IRS had been looking into the situation since at least 2005.

“He took responsibility and he stood up to it,” Murry Richman, his lawyer, said.

In other DMX-related news, the rapper recently released a cover of “Rudolph the Rednose Reindeer” for a special year-end collaboration with Spotify helping fans get into the holiday spirit.