Former Eminem Studio Engineer Charged with Stealing Unreleased Music
A former studio engineer who worked with Detroit rapper Eminem has been charged with stealing unreleased music and selling it online, federal prosecutors revealed on Wednesday. Joseph Strange, 46, of Holly, Michigan, was accused of copyright infringement and interstate transportation of stolen goods. He could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted on both counts.
The FBI affidavit stated that more than 25 unreleased songs were illegally played or distributed online without Eminem’s consent. The music was stored on password-protected hard drives in a safe at Eminem’s studio in Ferndale. Strange, who lost his job at the studio in 2021, is alleged to have transferred files from the hard drive to an external hard drive in 2019 and 2020.
Investigators found buyers who purchased the stolen music, with one individual paying $50,000 in Bitcoin for 25 songs. Strange was also accused of trying to sell Eminem’s handwritten lyric sheets. A search of Strange’s home revealed numerous Eminem-related items, including handwritten lyrics and audio files.
Eminem, whose real name is Marshall Mathers III, has achieved significant success in his career, winning awards and accolades. His team reported the theft to the FBI in January after discovering the unauthorized distribution of his music online.
In response to the charges, Strange’s attorney emphasized his client’s dedication to the music industry and referred to the allegations as untested. The case is set to proceed in court, with prosecutors emphasizing the importance of protecting intellectual property rights from theft and unauthorized distribution.
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