DMX alleged probation violations

PHOENIX (AP) - Authorities in Arizona say rapper DMX has been arrested for allegedly violating his probation by using drugs.

DMX, whose real name is Earl Simmons, had served about half of his 18-month supervised probation when he was booked Tuesday night into the downtown Phoenix jail. The rapper was released from jail in May after serving a 90-day sentence for felony convictions including cruelty to animals, theft and two drug counts.

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio says his deputies have arrested Simmons five times now, including an August 2007 raid on the rapper's north Phoenix home where they found 12 neglected dogs, three buried dogs, drugs and a cache of weapons.

Simmons pleaded guilty in late December to cruelty to animals, theft and two drug counts. In 2008, Simmons was arrested for speeding on a Phoenix freeway and allegedly going to a Scottsdale clinic and giving a false name to receive care with the intent of not paying.