DMX Agrees To Make Anti-Gun PSAs

NEW YORK (AP) - DMX will make public service announcements condemning gun use as part of a plea deal approved Wednesday (January 9) in Superior Court in Hackensack, New Jersey, reported the Record, the area's local paper.

The details of the anti-gun ads have not yet been announced. Superior Court Judge Donald R. Veezia asked Brian Neary, DMX's attorney, and Bergen County Assistant Prosecutor Ike Gavzy to determine the frequency and content of the ads before March 15.
As part of the deal, the multiplatinum rapper admitted guilt to 13 counts of animal cruelty, two counts of maintaining a nuisance, and one count each of disorderly conduct and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The rap artist did not have much to say about the case after the court hearing. "I'm just glad it's over," he told the Record.

The charges derive from two summer 1999 arrests in Teaneck and Englewood, New Jersey. DMX and his wife, Tashera Simmons, were charged with possessing a weapon for an unlawful purpose, endangering the welfare of a child, possessing hollow-point ammunition, and possessing a high-capacity magazine. Charges against Tashera and the child endangerment charges were dropped with Tuesday's approval of DMX's guilty plea.

While investigating the 1999 shooting of DMX's uncle and business manager, police found Tashera's pocketbook near the scene. When officers went to DMX's home, they discovered a loaded 9mm pistol, illegal high-capacity magazine and hollow-point bullets, empty magazines, a bulletproof vest, and six glass crack pipes, police told the Record.

Thirteen pit bulls were found throughout the house, garage, and basement, many in cages and crates. The child endangerment charges arose when police found DMX and Tashera's son, who was 6 at the time, and a 15-year-old cousin living in the house.

DMX released the DVD Angel in December. His video for "I Miss You," featuring Faith Evans, is scheduled to debut on MTV2 on Thursday (January 17).

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