Dmx Charged With Identity Theft

The star - real name Earl Simmons - was charged in Arizona on Tuesday (22Jul08) with one count of theft and one count of stealing someone else's identity.

Authorities claim Simmons gave medical officials the fake name of Troy Jones while receiving treatment for pneumonia at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona, in April (08). He also allegedly failed to pay his $7,500 (GBP3,750) bill.

The indictment is just one of many legal woes the hip-hop star has faced so far this year (08). In January (08), he was arrested for allegedly speeding down a Phoenix, Arizona freeway. In May (08), he was charged with suspected drug possession and animal cruelty following raids on his Arizona home.

A month later in June (08) the star was arrested for allegedly attempting to buy drugs from an undercover officer, and earlier this month (Jul08) he was taken into police custody for violating his bail terms relating to a previous incident in June (08) of driving without a valid licence.