Rapper DMX jailed for probation violation

PHOENIX, March 10 (UPI) -- Hip-hop star and actor DMX has been jailed in Arizona for violating his probation by using drugs such as cocaine, the Maricopa County Sheriff's office said.

The rapper was released from a Maricopa County jail last May after serving 90 days of his 18-month sentence for cruelty to animals, theft and drug charges.

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio told The Arizona Republic DMX, whose real name is Earl Simmons, was jailed Tuesday night because he used illicit drugs regularly during the past nine months, despite having been given many opportunities to undergo treatment for substance abuse.

The recording artist has previous convictions for assault, attempted aggravated assault, possession of assault firearm, criminal possession of a weapon, attempted robbery and attempt to purchase cocaine, the newspaper said.