Brooklyn-based rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine was sentenced to 24 months in prison on Wednesday by a federal judge for his past involvement with a gang known as the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods.
The performer—whose legal name is Daniel Hernandez—has already spent 13 months in jail at Rikers Island since his arrest in November 2018, which will count toward the two-year sentence. With the time served, only 11 months remain. He is expected to get out on a five-year supervised release in late 2020, and will have to pay a $35,000 fine and complete 300 hours of community service, TMZ reported.
Within 24 hours of being arrested, the "Gummo" artist agreed to enter a guilty plea, The New York Times reported. Hernandez went on to testify against two of his fellow gang members. The 23-year-old music maker pleaded guilty to nine charges including drug trafficking and armed robbery as part of a plea deal.
Despite his cooperation, U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmayer deemed Hernandez's acts with the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods "too violent" to release him immediately after sentencing.
"I still consider myself a role model to millions of people as an artist, a celebrity and as a human being," the rapper wrote in a letter to Engelmayer last week. "I'm happy that the public was able to witness me dealing with the consequences of my actions because I feel like it sheds a light on what can come from gang affiliation."
Hernandez, who faced the possibility of life in prison, remorsefully addressed his crimes before the sentencing. "I am not a victim. I put myself into this position from day one. I allowed them in. That was my decision," he told the courtroom. "Your Honor, allow me to inspire people. Not only the young people here, but the millions around the world listening and watching."
"Your cooperation was impressive," Judge Engelmayer said of Hernandez's willingness to testify against his former gang. "It was game changing. It was complete and it was brave."
Prosecutors have expressed concerns for the rapper's safety, noting that his actions may provoke other Nine Trey gang members to seek revenge. Despite those concerns, Hernandez previously refused to enter government protection upon his release, stating that he wishes to continue performing.
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
