Former Eminem Employee Charged in Unreleased Music Leak Case
Rapper Eminem has stated that “substantial damage was inflicted” and expressed “gratitude” after criminal charges were filed against a former employee accused of leaking his unreleased music online.
Criminal Charges Filed Against Joseph Strange
Joseph Strange, 46, of Holly, Michigan, faces charges of criminal copyright infringement and interstate transportation of stolen goods. Michigan prosecutors announced the charges Wednesday, alleging Strange illicitly disseminated the artist’s unreleased tracks.
According to the criminal complaint, over 25 songs were allegedly disseminated online without authorization from Eminem or his record label. These songs, created between 1999 and 2018, were in various stages of completion.
Employment and Alleged Actions
Strange was employed by Eminem, whose legal name is Marshall Mathers, from 2007 until his termination in 2021.
“Eminem and his team are deeply appreciative of the FBI Detroit bureau’s diligent investigation, which led to the charges against Joe Strange,” stated Eminem’s spokesperson, Dennis Dennehy, to Variety.
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“The significant harm inflicted upon Eminem’s artistic legacy and creative integrity by a trusted employee cannot be overstated. Furthermore, the considerable financial impact on numerous creators and collaborators, who rightfully deserve protection for their decades of work, is immense. We will pursue every necessary measure to safeguard Eminem’s artistry and will spare no effort in doing so,” Dennehy added.
Representatives for Eminem and Wade Fink, Strange’s attorney, have not yet issued public statements regarding the case.
FBI Investigation Details
Discovery of the Leak
On January 16, employees at Eminem’s Ferndale, Michigan, recording studio contacted the FBI after discovering unreleased music in development had surfaced online, according to prosecutors.
Studio personnel recognized an image circulating online as a list of unreleased songs originating from a studio hard drive and being offered for sale, the complaint detailed.
Investigation and Identification of Suspect
The FBI traced and contacted individuals who had purchased the unreleased material. These buyers identified Strange as the seller.
The criminal complaint indicates Strange was among a limited number of employees with access to the studio’s hard drives containing Eminem’s music catalog.
Evidence Seized
A search of Strange’s residence by the FBI yielded hard drives containing copies of the unreleased music. Financial records demonstrating payments to Strange for the music and handwritten lyrics and notes authored by Eminem were also recovered, according to prosecutors.
Details of Online Sales
The FBI interviewed a Canadian man who admitted to purchasing unreleased music. He reported paying $8,500 in Bitcoin for four tracks, funded through a collective effort by online Eminem fans, the complaint states. The individual estimated total Bitcoin payments to Strange at $50,000 over six months for 25 songs.
Legal Statements
“Safeguarding intellectual property from theft is crucial to protect the exclusive rights of creators and their original works from unauthorized reproduction and distribution by those seeking illicit profit,” stated Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, Julie Beck.
Fink, Strange’s attorney, described his client to The Associated Press as a married father of two, labeling the charges as “untested allegations.”
“We will address this matter in court and have strong confidence in the judges of our district,” Fink stated.
Potential Penalties
If convicted of criminal copyright infringement, Strange could face a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of interstate transportation of stolen goods carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.