DMX Pleads Guilty To $1.7 Million Tax Evasion

DMX may face prison time after pleading guilty to income tax evasion.

STREAM: DMX Releases Official Cover Of "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer"

Appearing before a federal judge Thursday, DMX, whose real name is Earl Simmons, admitted that he concealed millions of dollars from the government, according to prosecutors. Back in July 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.

"Today, Earl Simmons admitted to systematically cheating on his taxes. By insisting to be paid in cash whenever possible and having royalty payments diverted to the accounts of financial surrogates, Simmons concealed hundreds of thousands of dollars of income from the IRS," Joon H. Kim, the acting United States attorney for the Southern District of New York, said according to ABC News.

"Simmons made a choice between 'Right or Wrong,' and did the right thing, admitting his guilt, and agreeing to pay his tax liabilities. No matter who you are or whatever fame you may have achieved, the law applies equally to all, and no one is exempt from the shared obligation to pay our taxes."

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.

Last week, the artist released an official cover of "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer," which was inspired by a viral video of him covering the Christmas song back in 2012.

As a part of its "Spotify Singles: Holiday" playlist, DMX's "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer" is featured alongside other Christmas song covers by Miley Cyrus, Sam Smith, Wyclef Jean, Wynton Marsalis, and Xavier Omar and Sango.

Source: abcnews.com