A former assistant at Eminem’s studio copied ten unreleased songs, sold them online for $50,000, and now faces federal charges after the tracks surfaced on streaming services through illegal distribution.
Key takeaways
- Former Eminem staffer Joseph Strange copied and sold at least ten unreleased tracks.
- He earned about $50,000 from the sales, and the songs were streamed over eight million times, estimating $750,000 in losses.
- He pleaded guilty to criminal copyright infringement and faces sentencing in January 2027, with a possible five‑year prison term.
- DOJ officials stressed that the conduct violated both legal and artistic rights, underscoring efforts to deter similar piracy.
Joseph Strange, a 48‑year‑old former employee of Marshall Mathers (Eminem), pleaded guilty to criminal copyright infringement, according to a Department of Justice release reported by Fox2 Detroit.
Strange helped set up and run the computer system at a Ferndale studio where unreleased music was stored. Between July and August 2024 he copied at least ten audio files that were still in development and not intended for public release.
Background of the Crime
He sold the copied tracks online, earning roughly $50,000. The songs later appeared on public streaming platforms, where they were accessed more than eight million times, generating an estimated $750,000 in infringement value.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva said Strange “abused a position of trust” and undermined both legal and artistic rights, emphasizing the DOJ’s commitment to protect intellectual property.
Legal Consequences
Strange has pleaded guilty to criminal infringement and will be sentenced on Jan. 27, 2027, facing up to five years in federal prison.
The case highlights vulnerabilities in music production environments and the financial impact when unreleased material is leaked online.
Frequently asked questions
What charges did Joseph Strange plead guilty to?
He pleaded guilty to criminal infringement of a copyright, a federal offense.
How much money did Strange make from selling the unreleased Eminem tracks?
According to the DOJ release, he earned about $50,000 from the online sales.
When is Strange scheduled to be sentenced and what penalty could he face?
He is set for sentencing on Jan. 27, 2027 and could receive up to five years in federal prison.
How many times were the leaked tracks accessed on streaming platforms?
Data from streaming providers indicated the tracks were accessed more than eight million times.
Source: www.fox2detroit.com
