Prosecutors are seeking to give rapper DMX the maximum sentence of five years in prison after he pleaded guilty to tax evasion last year.
Via Page Six:
DMX — whose given name is Earl Simmons — is accused of skipping out on $1.7 million in taxes.
Prosecutors will recommend to a judge that he be hit with between four years and nine months to five years in prison for his “brazen” crimes.
Prosecutors ask the judge to “use this sentencing to send the message to this defendant and others that star power does not entitle someone to a free pass, and individuals cannot shirk the duty to pay their fair share of taxes,” the court papers state.
DMX’s lawyer, Murray Richman, says DMX should get probation with drug treatment so he can continue to perform, allowing him to pay off his tax bill more quickly.
“They wish to make an example of him just before tax season just as they always do,” Richman said, adding, “Take a man who comes from the ghetto and expect him to understand the implications of doing taxes when he’s an entertainer.”