DMX indicted on felony identity theft

updated 2:27 p.m. ET July 23, 2008

PHOENIX - Rapper DMX has been indicted on felony charges by a grand jury in Arizona for allegedly trying to get out of paying a hospital bill.

Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas says the 37-year-old rapper, whose real name is Earl Simmons, has been charged with one count of theft and one count of taking someone else’s identity.

Authorities say Simmons went to Scottsdale’s Mayo Clinic in April, said his name was “Troy Jones,” and received care with the intent of not paying the bill.

Simmons’ attorney, Cameron Morgan, wasn’t immediately available for comment Tuesday.

Simmons was arrested Saturday at a Phoenix mall.

A spokesman for the Maricopa County Sheriff’s office says the rapper was released from jail Sunday night.

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