Method Man Arraigned on Tax Evasion Charges, Faces 4 Years in Prison

According to the Staten Island Advance newspaper, Wu-Tang party alumnus and How High actor extraordinaire Method Man, born Clifford Smith, surrendered today to Staten Island officials on felony tax-evasion charges. Officials allege that Meth hasn't paid state taxes in over three years, racking up nearly $40,000 grand in unpaid personal income tax. Because of a previous tax-evasion charge stemming from a 2008 arrest - his Lincoln Navigator was repossessed after he failed to pay taxes - Method Man is now facing up to four years in prison.

Officials are trying to pretend that Meth will be treated just like any other citizen, but that falsehood was already revealed when District Attorney Daniel Donovan announced the arrest:

"Taxes are the burden that all citizens share in a civil society, whether you are an 'average Joe' on the street or a high-profile rap artist," said Donovan in a press release. "Because of the alleged action of people like Mr. Smith, law abiding citizens face higher taxes and reduced government services. Failure to properly report and pay your taxes is a crime against all citizens and will be aggressively investigated and prosecuted."

Yeah, because when they arrest an "average Joe on the street" they put out a press release to announce it. I have no idea if Method Man is guilty of these charges, and it's certainly possible he is, but for New York officials to pretend the arrest wasn't at least partially for publicity is ridiculous. Predictable, but ridiculous.

Regardless, the larger question is how this will affect Method Man's career. While it seems unlikely that even if he's found guilty he'll receive the maximum penalty, there appears to be a real chance that hip-hop could be without Method Man for a substantial amount of time. The lesson as always? Hire a good accountant.

In related new, Method Man also owes me $1 for the time I bought him an Arizona Ice Tea at a Domino's Pizza in Boston, but that's hardly a criminal charge, and a story for another day.