Multi-platinum artist DMX was extradited to Phoenix on Friday (December 19) to face charges of animal cruelty.
The Yonkers native was apprehended on December 9 in Miami at the home of producer Scott Storch.
DMX, real name Earl Simmons, was wanted by Phoenix police for failing to appear in court on December 5 to answer charges of animal cruelty, drug possession, and ID theft.
The charges stem from a May 9 raid of DMX’s Arizona home. Police seized 12 pit bulls, and reported some were dehydrated and underfed.
Although there was no evidence of dogfighting, 3 pit bull remains were found partially buried throughout the property.
The rapper was also charged with two counts of marijuana possession and two for drug paraphernalia found on the property.
The day before DMX’s capture, Phoenix Sheriff Joe Arpaio offered a $5000 reward for any information that lead to the artist’s capture.
Less than 24 hours later, a Georgia woman supplied the tip on X’s whereabouts.
Due to his flight risk and previous no-shows, a judge has now ordered DMX’s bond raised to $120,000 in cash.
According to the deputy that escorted DMX back to Phoenix, the rapper took time to explain how much disdain he has for Sheriff Arpaio’s tactics against him.
DMX is tentatively scheduled to release a Hip-Hop (Walk With Me Now) and gospel (You’ll Fly With Me Later) album simultaneously in January 2009.