Grammy Award-winning rapper and Wu-Tang Clan member Method Man turned himself in yesterday to the Staten Island District Attorney on felony charges related to a $32,799 tax bill from 2004 to 2007.
The 38-year-old rapper-actor (born Clifford Smith) was also in hot water with the government in 2008. He owed the IRS $52,503 in payments, and, as a result, his Lincoln Navigator SUV was repossessed.
Judging from all of his debt, one would think that the 'Soul Plane' actor is suffering from a case of memory loss. And that just may be the case in this scenario.
"Myself, I'm a pothead," he told the New York Daily News in March. "Sure [the tax department] sent letters to my house, saying, 'We need this money.' They started sending them in 2002. Here it is 2009, and I never paid this s--t because I don't think like that!"
Although Smith may have a slight disability, district attorney Daniel Donovan claims the rapper can still face prison time.
"Taxes are the burden that all citizens share in a civil society, whether you are an 'average Joe' on the street or a high-profile rap artist," he said in a statement. "Because of the alleged action of people like Mr. Smith, law-abiding citizens face higher taxes and reduced government services. Failure to properly report and pay your taxes is a crime against all citizens and will be aggressively investigated and prosecuted."
Following his arrest on Oct. 5, Method Man was arraigned and released. He is due back in court Dec. 9. If convicted, he could face up to four years in prison.
+ Method Man Brings Comic Book to His Tax Evasion Arraignment [ComicsAlliance.com]
Comments: (13)
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By: dounotme82 on 10/06/2009 5:21PM
How pathetic.
Why doesn't any one feel that he should go to jail??? Is it more important to have a Navigator??? Don't make it a race issue make it a LAW issue...comments.
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By: Monica on 10/06/2009 10:07PM
Up to 4 years for 32,799(tax evasion), people doing more serious crimes sometimes don't get that much time. That's the only problem I have with it.
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By: sdw on 10/07/2009 12:48AM
It's a bill. Should everyone get jail time for all the other types of bills that they don't get around to paying?
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By: amy on 10/07/2009 10:49PM
No he should not do any time! Not to make it a race issue but I have to go there because society took it there! White folks been getting away with not paying their taxes for years! Heck no he should not do anytime! Why take him away from his family and work that will provide those taxes!
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By: roy on 10/07/2009 1:42PM
they got al capone, so why he didnt think the feds wouldnt get him? mayber redman will put some money on his books. he can write the next hit, meth in jail!
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By: Ron G on 10/07/2009 2:00PM
Pay your damn bills! Everyone thinks they are above the law because you are a celebrity. We all have to pay taxes, it's the country we live in. Ya'll better get a clue and relize that the government is starting to make examples of your black behinds and locking you up...ie, Wesley Snipes, Ron Isley and a whole list of others! Keep it up Meth, if you can spend 4 years away from your family for that little bit of change??????
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By: carla ford on 10/13/2009 12:04PM
dfbdvdv
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By: "DimePiece" on 10/07/2009 2:07PM
The quote he made above said;
"Myself, I'm a pothead," he told the New York Daily News in March. "Sure [the tax department] sent letters to my house, saying, 'We need this money.' They started sending them in 2002. Here it is 2009, and I never paid this s--t because I don't think like that!"
I wonder why he doesn't THINK, smokin that ish? Who can? This isn't just the WEED to blame. He thought he could get away with because of his celebrity status? NOT! The law is the law. But, I too agree with someone on here that said that 4 years is too harsh? I say, a lesser sentence, community service, get him some type of help on kickin the habit (his addiction to weed), what other help this man needs so that he will think not to do this again another time. Let him learn his lesson. He shouldn't get no special treatment, I don't' give a damn who is or WAS in my book. I don't care if he played in "How High", maybe he need to play in a movie called,"How Stupid, I got caught"? He is too old for that ish!
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By: John on 10/07/2009 4:00PM
It says "up to 4 years." He wont get 4 years, he'll get probation and a fine.
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By: nyc5055 on 10/07/2009 6:24PM
Sure he should pay just like everyone else.But should he go to prison for that short money?Hell no!! He has money take it like they do child support.He'll pay pothead or not rather than go to the pen.It kills me with these rich people,you have money,PAY YOUR TAXES.
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