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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Method Man, a member of the platinum-selling rap group Wu-Tang Clan, surrendered to Staten Island officials this morning to face felony tax-evasion charges.

The rapper -- whose real name is Clifford Smith -- covered his face with a book as he was led out of the 120 Police Precinct station house, St. George, at about 11:10 this morning en route to his arraignment in Stapleton Criminal Court.

In March, his 2008 Lincoln Navigator was repossessed by the Department of Taxation after he was reportedly $52,503 in arrears.

In connection with today's arrest, Smith faces a charge of repeated failure to file personal income and earnings tax, a felony punishable by up to four years in prison if convicted. He also faces a misdemeanor charge of failure to pay tax