Posted: May 13, 2008, 5 a.m. EDT
Earl Simmons, aka DMX, was arrested at his Arizona home on Friday on suspicion of animal abuse and felony drug possession.
The Maricopa County sheriff’s office executed a search warrant on Simmons’ Cave Creek home in connection with a months-long investigation into reports that the actor and rap star had malnourished dogs on his property. In August, authorities seized 12 dogs that appeared malnourished.
“A guy like this DMX character with all his money and fame has no excuse for not providing proper care for his animals,” Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio told The Associated Press. “He has a long criminal history and obviously has no respect for the law.”
At first Simmons refused to talk to the police, holing himself up in a bedroom. The police convinced Simmons to cooperate, and later searched the home and confiscated several weapons, drugs, and five pit bull puppies, who were taken to a nearby women’s prison where inmates will look after them.
Simmons was taken to jail and charged with seven misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty and four counts of felony drug possession. He was released on $7,500 bail and is due back in court on May 15.