HOLLY, Mich. (WJRT) – A former employee of Michigan native rap legend Eminem is facing federal charges for allegedly stealing and selling unreleased music from the artist.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Detroit announced charges of copyright infringement and interstate transportation of stolen goods Wednesday against 46-year-old Joseph Strange of Holly.
Employees at a studio in Ferndale operated by Eminem, whose real name is Marshall Mathers, called the FBI in January to report finding unreleased music recorded by the artist available for sale on the internet.
Employees at the studio recognized an image accompanying the stolen music tracks as something taken directly from a hard drive kept in Ferndale.
FBI agents talked with several people who purchased the unreleased music and they allegedly identified Strange as the man who sold it to them. Strange worked on Eminem’s staff from 2007 to 2021.
“Protecting intellectual property from thieves is critical in safeguarding the exclusive rights of creators and protecting their original work from reproduction and distribution by individuals who seek to profit from the creative output of others,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Julie Beck.
Strange faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if he is convicted.
