A shocking legal development has emerged as a former employee of Eminem (Marshall Mathers) faces criminal charges related to the illicit sale of unreleased music from the iconic rap artist. This announcement was made public by Acting U.S. Attorney Julie Beck on Wednesday, March 19, highlighting the serious nature of the allegations against the former staff member.
The criminal complaint reveals that employees from Eminem’s music studio, located in Ferndale, Michigan, reached out to the FBI after discovering that unreleased tracks by the rapper were being offered for sale online. The FBI took immediate action, identifying multiple individuals who had purchased this unauthorized music, all of whom pointed to Joseph Strange, Eminem’s former employee, as the source of these illegal sales. The press release emphasizes that the music in question was still under development by the rapper, suggesting that it had not been finalized or intended for public release.
If found guilty of the charge of criminal copyright infringement, Strange could face a significant penalty, including a maximum of five years in prison and a fine reaching up to $250,000. Furthermore, if convicted of the charge involving the interstate transportation of stolen goods, he could face an even harsher sentence of up to 10 years in prison, reflecting the severity of his alleged actions and the impact on the music industry.
Strange’s employment with Eminem spanned from 2007 to 2021, according to the information provided in the press release. His lengthy tenure raises questions about trust and the responsibilities of those working closely with high-profile artists.
“Safeguarding intellectual property from theft is vital for ensuring that creators maintain exclusive rights to their works, protecting them from unauthorized reproduction and distribution by those looking to exploit creative efforts for personal gain,” stated Beck in her remarks regarding the case.
“This ongoing investigation highlights the FBI’s unwavering dedication to protecting artists’ intellectual property from exploitation by individuals seeking illegal profits,” remarked Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “Thanks to the collaboration with Mathers Music Studio, FBI agents from the Oakland County Resident Agency were able to act quickly to enforce federal laws and ensure that Joseph Strange is held accountable for his alleged misconduct.”
The investigation into the charges against Strange is being conducted by special agents from the FBI Oakland County Resident Agency. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy Wyse and Alyse Wu, who are working diligently to ensure that justice is served in this significant case.
