DMX (real name Earl Simmons) is free pending an appeal after turning himself in on Wednesday to police in Cheektowaga, N.Y. The rapper pleaded guilty to traffic violations and drug possession charges stemming from a March arrest. But DMX further complicated matters for himself when police found yet more marijuana on him (in a pack of cigarettes) while he was being processed in his transfer to a holding cell. Arrested yet again, DMX was handed down a total fine of $630 and sentenced to 15 days in prison with no bail, with a stay of sentence due to the appeal.

DMX's original arrest stemmed from a traffic stop following a Ruff Ryders/Cash Money concert appearance in Buffalo, N.Y., on March 3, when police pulled him over for speeding and failure to signal. In addition to traffic violations -- which included driving with a suspended license -- he was also booked for having a small quantity of marijuana in his vehicle.

Following this initial arrest, DMX was released after he posted a $2,000 bail. He was scheduled to appear March 21 to answer charges, but skipped this court date due to a performance in Texas, causing police to issue a warrant for his arrest.

Upon turning himself in Wednesday, DMX was then fined a total of $380 for the misdemeanor charges from the March 3 arrest: $200 for aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle (driving without a license), $100 for first offense unlawful possession of marijuana, $25 for failure to signal, $25 for failure to notify the DMV of change of address and an additional $30 in surcharges. DMX was also fined $250 for the second marijuana possession.

If the appeal is not granted, DMX will have to serve his time at the Erie County Correctional Facility in New York.

JENNIFER VINEYARD
(MAY 5, 2000)