DMX, the recording star and actor, whose real name is Earl Simmons, surrendered to federal authorities after being charged with 14 counts of tax-related criminal charges totaling $1.7 million in tax liabilities.
It’s alleged that Simmons avoided using his personal bank accounts, and instead used the accounts of other individuals, including his business manager and lived mostly on cash. According to the indictment, Simmons earnings from 2002 through 2005 went unpaid. Authorities say he listed his income in 2011 and 2012 as “unknown”, when he actually made $353,000 in 2011 and
$542,000 in 2012. On his 2013 tax return, he reported earning $10,000 of income when in reality he earned $250,000 that year. In total for the years 2010 to 2015 Simmons earned over $2.3 million.
Simmons appeared on the TV show “Celebrity Couples Therapy” and was paid $125,000, but refused the first installment check as taxes were withheld. He went to the producer of the show and demanded a new check for the full amount, which he got.
If convicted on all counts, Simmons could face a maximum of 44 years in prison, plus monetary penalties and restitution to the IRS.
