DETROIT, Mich. (WEYI) — A 46-year-old Michigan man has been charged with criminal copyright infringement and interstate transportation of stolen goods after allegedly selling Eminem’s unreleased music, federal prosecutors announced.
Joseph Strange, who worked for Eminem from 2007 to 2021, is accused of leaking over 25 unreleased songs online without the rapper’s consent. According to an FBI affidavit, the tracks were stored on password-protected hard drives inside a safe at Eminem’s music studio in Ferndale, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit.
FBI Investigation & Charges
The case came to light on January 16, when employees at Eminem’s studio noticed unreleased tracks circulating online. They identified the leaked songs as those still in development and recognized an image of a file list taken directly from a studio hard drive.
Investigators traced multiple online purchases of the music back to Joseph Strange, leading to his arrest.
If convicted of criminal copyright infringement, Strange faces up to 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The interstate transportation of stolen goods charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years.
Officials Speak Out
Acting U.S. Attorney Julie Beck emphasized the importance of protecting intellectual property, stating that illegal distribution undermines the rights of artists.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson praised the cooperation of Eminem’s team, saying the FBI acted swiftly to enforce federal laws and hold Strange accountable.
As the legal process unfolds, Strange remains under federal scrutiny for allegedly profiting off one of hip-hop’s biggest artists.
