DMX Is Public Enemy #1 In Arizona, Bench Warrant Issued

DMX was charged with 11 crimes, from animal abuse to drug posession, some of which lead back to a raid on his Arizona home this time last year. The rapper was expected in a pre-trial court hearing yesterday, but didn't show up. If his lawyer doesn't have a reasonable excuse for his absence by 4pm today, a bench warrant will be issued for his arrest. DMX, real name Earl Simmons, was originally suspected of animal cruelty for fighting pit bulls after numerous dead dogs were found buried on his property last year. Since then, he's been caught for using a fake name and social security number at a clinic (to avoid a $7500 bill), driving without a license and speeding on the freeways in Arizona. In fact, DMX has been arrested 5 times since May 2008 and 3 times in January alone!

Many in the legal system are hoping that DMX is thrown in jail and that the charges stick because he keeps getting arrested and then freed. However, if sent to jail or prison, the justice system will have a new set of problems on their hands. According to a report on NME.com last month:

The Sheriff added that if the rapper is jailed he will be separated for his own safety as the other inmates "may not like his music."

Of course, these charges are nothing new for DMX either. He was convicted in 2002 of animal crulety towards his (then) 14 pitbulls. He failed to complete legal obligations to work that one off too, and thus stands to lose his Fifth Ave building in NYC as a result.

Reports of speeding in Arizona on Billboard.com

Bench warrant issued according to NME.com