Method Man born Clifford Smith, 38, formerly of Wu-Tang Clan, was arrested today for cheating Uncle Sam out of $32,799 from 2004 to 2007.

Method Man surrendered to Staten Island Police this morning (October 5, 2009) on charges of Tax Evasion. This comes after the repossession of his 2008 Lincoln Navigator on March 19th, reportedly Method Man was unable to pay his back taxes.

District Attorney Daniel Donovan and New York State Department of Taxation and Finance Acting Commissioner Jamie Woodward announced the arrest this morning.

After being arraigned on tax evasion charges Method Man was released on his own recognizance by a Staten Island Judge.

“Taxes are the burden that all citizens share in a civil society, whether you are an ‘average Joe’ on the street or a high-profile rap artist. Because of the alleged action of people like Mr. Smith, law abiding citizens face higher taxes and reduced government services. Failure to properly report and pay your taxes is a crime against all citizens and will be aggressively investigated and prosecuted,” Donovan said in a press release after Smith’s release.

source