Rapper DMX arrested in case involving medical bill

Rapper DMX was arrested Saturday at a Phoenix mall on suspicion of giving a false name and Social Security number to a hospital to get out of paying for medical expenses.

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio said that when DMX, whose real name is Earl Simmons, went to Scottsdale’s Mayo Clinic in April, he gave the name “Troy Jones” and failed to pay a $7,500 bill.

DMX attorney Cameron Morgan of Scottsdale declined to comment.

Last year, Arpaio’s office conducted an animal neglect investigation at the rapper’s Phoenix home. DMX, 37, was arrested in that case on charges of felony drug possession and misdemeanor animal cruelty after authorities seized 12 pit bulls and uncovered the remains of three other dogs.

The musician/actor has had other run-ins with the law recently, including an arrest at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport this month on outstanding warrants after he failed to appear in court.

The week before, he was arrested in Miami on charges of attempting to purchase cocaine and marijuana.

“He’s back in jail again,” Arpaio said.

“I don’t know why judges keep letting this guy out. Every time he goes in there, he gets out on bond.

“I’m hoping this is the one time he’s going to pay the penalty for his offense,” he said.

Arpaio said a bond had not been set in the rapper’s latest arrest.

If DMX remains jailed, he will be isolated from the rest of the inmates for his own safety, the sheriff said. “They may not like his music.”