Dawn N. Ison, U.S. Attorney | Department Of Justice Eastern District Of Michigan
Joseph Strange, a former employee of Marshall Mathers, also known as Eminem, has been charged with criminal infringement of a copyright and interstate transportation of stolen goods. The charges relate to the sale of unreleased music created by Eminem. Acting United States Attorney Julie Beck announced the charges in Detroit.
The announcement was made alongside Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. According to the criminal complaint, on January 16, 2025, employees at Mathers's music studio in Ferndale, Michigan discovered that unreleased music was available online. This music was still being developed by Mathers. The employees obtained an image showing a list of unreleased tracks for sale on various internet sites. They recognized this image as originating from a hard drive in their studio.
The FBI identified multiple individuals who purchased the unreleased music and traced it back to Joseph Strange. Strange worked for Marshall Mathers from around 2007 until 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," stated Acting U.S. Attorney Beck.
Cheyvoryea Gibson added, "This investigation underscores the FBI’s commitment to safeguarding artists' intellectual property from exploitation by individuals seeking to profit illegally." He credited cooperation from Mathers Music Studio for enabling swift enforcement actions against Strange.
If convicted of criminal infringement of a copyright, Strange could face up to five years in prison and a fine up to $250,000. The charge of interstate transportation of stolen goods carries a potential penalty of up to ten years in prison.
It is important to note that a complaint is merely an accusation and not proof of guilt. A trial cannot proceed on felony charges based solely on a complaint; further investigation will determine whether to pursue a felony indictment.
The case is being investigated by special agents from the FBI Oakland County Resident Agency and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy Wyse and Alyse Wu.
