Federal prosecutors are advocating for a prison sentence of three to nine months for rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine, whose real name is Daniel Hernandez, following incidents involving drug possession and an assault. He is scheduled for sentencing by Judge Paul A. Engelmayer next Thursday, November 20, after pleading guilty to violating the terms of his supervised release linked to a previous racketeering case.
Hernandez’s current legal troubles stem from a 2018 case wherein he cooperated with authorities against members of the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods, leading to a significantly reduced sentence of two years due to his cooperation. However, since his release, he has repeatedly faced issues with drug use and violence. Most recently, he was caught with cocaine and MDMA in February and was involved in an altercation at a Florida mall in August, where he physically confronted a man who insulted him about his past cooperation with law enforcement.
Prosecutors are arguing that Hernandez’s actions demonstrate a clear violation of the court’s trust. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Rebold emphasizes the importance of sending a message to those who may consider cooperating with the government, highlighting that no one is above the law.
In response, Hernandez’s attorney, Lance Lazzaro, suggests that a sentence of six months of house arrest would be more fitting. He contends that Hernandez possessed a minimal amount of drugs and emphasizes that the victim of the assault was the initial aggressor. Lazzaro also pointed out that incarceration poses additional challenges for cooperating individuals, as they are typically segregated from the general population, resulting in greater social isolation.
Hernandez first entered a guilty plea in 2018 on several charges related to racketeering and violence, and his sentence was notably lenient due to his cooperation. After serving time, he was placed on supervised release, but continued to breach conditions, leading to more legal consequences, including drug violations and unauthorized travel.
Prosecutors believe that, regardless of the sentence imposed, Hernandez should be subjected to an additional two years of supervised release, with mandatory enrollment in substance abuse treatment and anger management programs. They assert that violation of the law, coupled with an inability to manage his temper, underscores the need for rehabilitative measures moving forward.
As Tekashi 6ix9ine’s sentencing approaches, it remains evident that his journey through the legal system is far from over, and the outcome could have significant implications for his future.