AceShowbiz - A man who once worked for Detroit rapper Eminem is facing serious legal consequences. Joseph Strange, 46, from Holly, Michigan, has been charged with criminal infringement of a copyright and interstate transportation of stolen goods. The charges stem from allegations that Strange stole unreleased music created by Eminem and sold it on the internet.

Strange worked as a sound engineer for Eminem at a recording studio in Ferndale, Michigan, from 2007 until 2021. According to reports, Strange had exclusive access to secure hard drives containing the unreleased music.

The FBI began their investigation in January when several studio employees tipped them off about the leaked tracks. The unreleased music, reportedly dating from 1999 to 2018, made its way online, causing significant financial and reputational damage.

"Eminem and his team are very appreciative of the efforts by the FBI Detroit bureau for its thorough investigation which led to the charges against Joe Strange. The significant damage caused by a trusted employee to Eminem's artistic legacy and creative integrity cannot be overstated, let alone the enormous financial losses incurred by the many creators and collaborators that deserve protection for their decades of work. We will continue to take any and all steps necessary to protect Eminem's art and will stop at nothing to do so." - Eminem's spokesperson Dennis Dennehy

Strange allegedly sold the music to several individuals, including someone known as "Doja Rat," who admitted to paying $50,000 in Bitcoin for the tracks. The FBI seized hard drives during a raid on Strange's residence that contained approximately 12,000 audio files, handwritten lyric sheets, and other unreleased material from Eminem.

Prosecutors emphasize the severity of the crime, highlighting the necessity of protecting intellectual property.

Acting U.S. Attorney Julie Beck stated, "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."

FBI Special Agent Cheyvoryea Gibson added, "Thanks to the cooperation of Mathers Music Studio, FBI agents from the Oakland County Resident Agency were able to swiftly enforce federal laws and ensure Joseph Strange was held accountable for his actions."

If convicted, Joseph Strange faces a maximum of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for copyright infringement. Additionally, he could face up to 10 years in prison if found guilty of interstate transportation of stolen goods.

The case continues to draw attention to the vulnerabilities artists face in an era where digital theft is ever prevalent.