Eminem stole my songs!
OK, this was too wacky not to share.
Man faces charges for threatening DA
By MICHELLE GANASSI
Daily American Staff Writer
Friday, May 26, 2006 12:05 AM EDT
A Meyersdale man has been charged with threatening members of the Somerset County District Attorney's office for not filing his private complaint against a popular rapper.
Shawn Steven Baker, 23, allegedly began threatening the office after prosecutors refused to file his private criminal complaint against the rapper Eminem, whose real name is Marshall Bruce Mathers III. Baker claims Eminem used lyrics he wrote in the songs “Rain Man” and “Just Lose It,” police said. District Attorney Jerry Spangler refused Baker's request on Feb. 21.
“Mr. Baker believes that the rapper Eminem stole his songs and wanted to file copyright infringement charges,” Spangler said. “We determined since Mr. Mathers did not visit Somerset County, then no crime occurred here.”
Spangler added that Baker was informed that he could appeal the DA's decision to a judge.
After the request was denied, Baker made threatening calls to the district attorney's office targeting Spangler, Somerset County detectives Jason Hunter and Scott Foglesong, and the office's secretary, police said. Baker threatened the individuals with physical violence and threatened the office itself several times between February and May. Baker ignored warnings issued by the office, including a certified letter warning him to cease his actions or face criminal charges, police said.
Somerset Borough police have charged Baker with four counts each of terroristic threats, harassment and disorderly conduct.
Spangler said the attorney general's office may have to prosecute the case because the district attorney's office was threatened.
Baker was arraigned Thursday morning before on-call District Judge Douglas McCall Bell in Meyersdale. He is being held in the Somerset County Jail in lieu of $15,000 bail. It was unclear Thursday if Baker had an attorney.
If Baker makes bail, he is required to submit to an evaluation by Bedford/Somerset MH/MR and complete any recommended treatment, according to court documents.
A preliminary hearing is tentatively scheduled for 3:15 p.m. June 1 before District Judge Arthur Cook in Somerset.
A publicist for Eminem said she did not have any information about the case and declined comment.
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It is all 33girl's fault. ~DrPhil
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