DMX arrested for alleged identity theft

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PHOENIX, July 20 (UPI) -- The rapper DMX has been arrested in Phoenix and charged with identity theft in relation to a recent hospital visit, police say.

Phoenix police arrested the rapper, whose real name is Earl Simmons, Saturday on an outstanding felony warrant accusing him of using the name "Troy Jones" while receiving $7,500 worth of medical care for pneumonia, Phoenix's KNXV-TV reported.

The identity theft occurred in April at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., authorities allege. Simmons also allegedly also provided a fake Social Security number.

The rapper also was arrested on outstanding warrants earlier this month at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport when he flew in from Florida where he had been arrested on drug charges. In May, he was taken into custody for allegedly speeding while driving with a suspended license.

The TV station said police also allegedly found malnourished dogs at Simmons' home in Cave Creek, Ariz., last year and the "Walk With Me Now" rapper was charged with animal cruelty.