New court documents reveal how much was paid for Marshall’s unreleased music and shed more light on how it was allegedly stolen. Now, the accused is set to plead guilty in exchange for more serious charges being dropped.
The massive leak in winter 2025 might have been entertaining for people online, but for Eminem and his team it represented a serious breach of trust. Investigators found the source of the leak by identifying some of the buyers and tracing cryptocurrency payments. Detroit News reports that, according to the federal complaint, one buyer allegedly sent $50,000 worth of Bitcoin payments over about six months.
Following the investigation, police arrested Joseph Strange, 48, who worked for Eminem in the Ferndale studio from 2007 until he was let go in 2021. During a search of his home, police recovered evidence, including the allegedly stolen hard drives that contained copies of the unreleased music sold online as well as Eminem’s handwritten notes and lyric sheets.
On his first court appearance, Strange pleaded not guilty. However, following yesterday’s arraignment, his defence has changed its position. He will plead guilty to one count of criminal copyright infringement, a crime punishable by up to five years in federal prison. The plea comes in exchange for prosecutors dropping a more serious charge of interstate transportation of stolen goods, which carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years.
Strange’s lawyer, though, suggests that the situation is not as straightforward. He said to Detroit News: “I expect him to do what is best for himself and his family. The truth, though, is a far cry from what the allegations claim”.
So far, neither Strange nor his lawyer has explained what that truth is or how he came into possession of Eminem’s private creative material.
Meanwhile, Dennis Dennehy, a longtime spokesman for Eminem, issued a statement reflecting the Shady team’s position. It reads: “As we stated at the outset of this case, the significant damage caused by Joe Strange cannot be overstated. Strange was trusted to protect Eminem’s artistic output, and while it’s satisfying to see him held accountable for his criminal conduct, we hope he will be punished to the fullest extent of the law. The levels of lying, deception and criminality undertaken by this man over the course of years are unfathomable, unforgettable and both legally and morally reprehensible”.
The next court hearing, where Strange is expected to enter his plea, is scheduled for October 22.