Joseph Strange, 46, of Holly, Michigan, and a former employee of Marshall Mathers, also known as Eminem, has been charged with criminal infringement of copyright and interstate transportation of stolen goods in connection with the sale of Eminem’s unreleased music online.
According to the criminal complaint, on or around January 16, 2025, employees at Eminem’s music studio in Ferndale, Michigan, discovered unreleased music created by the artist being sold online. This music, which was still in development, was identified by employees through an image of a list of unreleased tracks, which matched a list from a hard drive at the studio.
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The FBI identified and contacted individuals who had purchased the unreleased music, and they identified Joseph Strange as the seller. Strange was employed by Marshall Mathers from approximately 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 Beck.
“This investigation underscores the FBI’s commitment to safeguarding artists’ intellectual property from exploitation by individuals seeking to profit illegally,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “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 of criminal infringement of copyright, Strange faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
A conviction for interstate transportation of stolen goods carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
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