DMX PLEADS NOT GUILTY TO IDENTITY THEFT

The troubled star has been accused of using a false identity to avoid paying hospital medical expenses and was charged in Arizona on Tuesday.

Authorities claim the rapper gave medical officials the fake name of Troy Jones and the incorrect social security details while receiving treatment for pneumonia at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona, in April.

Appearing in court on Thursday, DMX, real name Earl Simmons, refuted the charges. It has been a year of legal woes for the rap star - in January, he was arrested for allegedly speeding down a Phoenix, Arizona freeway. In May, he was charged with suspected drug possession and animal cruelty following raids on his Arizona home.

A month later in June the star was arrested for allegedly attempting to buy drugs from an undercover officer, and earlier this month he was taken into police custody for violating his bail terms relating to a previous driving incident in June.

(WENN)

3698 celebritymound Published 7/24/08   Message Add to Friends