In this July 2, 2008 file photo Rapper DMX is seen in a booking photo provided by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office in Phoenix.
PHOENIX – Rapper DMX reached a plea deal on multiple drug possession, theft and animal cruelty charges.
DMX, whose real name is Earl Simmons, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to one misdemeanor charge of animal cruelty, one felony charge of theft, and one charge each of felony possession of marijuana and a narcotic drug.
The rap artist, handcuffed and wearing a striped prison uniform, appeared calm and polite.
He is expected to receive a minimum 90-day jail sentence as well as probation under terms of the agreement, according to a statement from the Maricopa County attorney.
DMX will remain in the county jail until his sentencing and won’t be given credit for time served.
A Maricopa County Superior Court commissioner set a sentencing hearing for Jan. 30.
Additional charges will be dismissed then.
As part of the agreement, DMX cannot own animals, possess firearms and must attend an animal offender treatment program.
If he violates probation, he could be sentenced to more than 10 years in prison.
A call to his public defender was not returned.
The 38-year-old rapper has been arrested several times in Arizona in the past year and missed several court dates.
The animal cruelty and dangerous drugs charges stem from an August 2007 raid Maricopa County sheriff’s deputies conducted at DMX’s home in the Phoenix suburb of Cave Creek.
Investigating a report of animal abuse, the authorities found three dead dogs, guns, ammunition and drug paraphernalia, they said.
Authorities said DMX gave a false name and Social Security number when being treated at a Scottsdale hospital in April.
He was indicted on felony charges of theft and taking someone’s identity.
In May, sheriff’s deputies and a SWAT team went to his home again to serve arrest and search warrants on the earlier drug and animal cruelty charges. DMX briefly barricaded himself in his bedroom before surrendering. Deputies said they found marijuana in the house.
DMX’s albums include “It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot” and “Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood” and “Year of the Dog . . . Again.”
DMX