Tekashi 6ix9ine reportedly faces 32 years to life in prison after he was arrested by federal police for racketeering charges.
The rapper was arrested on Sunday and remains in federal custody alongside his four other former associates. It is reported that 6ix9ine was apprehended in New York, while his ex-manager Shottie was also picked up by agents. Another suspect is said to be Faheem Walter (known as Crippy) who was shot a few weeks ago during an altercation with his label.
Yesterday, prosecutors laid out their case against the rapper at an initial hearing. All four men are facing racketeering and firearms charges, following a joint investigation form the ATF, NYPD and Homeland Security.
The charges reportedly arise from a five-year investigation into the Nine Trey Bloods street gang, of which 6ix9ine is allegedly a member. The rapper was allegedly involved in an armed robbery in April 2018 which saw his crew holding rivals at gunpoint while he filmed the incident from a nearby vehicle. The stolen items were allegedly later discovered inside the star’s house.
The controversial rapper was also charged with possession of an AR-15 gun, and was allegedly involved in two separate shootings. In April 2018, a member of his gang allegedly opened fire inside New York’s Barclays Center where the rapper was performing. Only three months later, the rapper allegedly ordered the shooting of a bystander who had Three months later, 6ix9ine allegedly order the shooting of a bystander who disrespected his gang.
An indictment against the rapper stated: “Members and associates of the Enterprise promoted and celebrated the criminal conduct of the Enterprise, namely narcotics distribution, acts involving violence, and the use of firearms, in music and on social media. The purposes of the Enterprise included preserving and protecting the power, territory, and profits of the Enterprise through acts involving murder… and threats of violence.”
If found guilty, 6ix9ine faces a minimum sentence of 32 years and a maximum of life in prison. A federal judge has denied his attorney’s request for bail.
This comes after last week when the rapper cancelled the remaining dates of his US tour and fired his entire staff. He claimed to have sacked his manager, booking agent, and publicist after suggesting members of his team were booking shows without his knowledge and stealing money from him.
Earlier this month, the rapper reached a plea deal for allegedly assaulting a police officer. Following his arrest in May, he pleaded guilty to a charge of “disorderly conduct”. Hernandez was charged after he illegally parked his car in Brooklyn, New York.
The incident reportedly won’t appear on his criminal record – under the conditions that he stays out of trouble and refrains from speaking about the case on social media. If these conditions are breached, the rapper could face up to 15 days behind bars.
6ix9ine is currently on probation for a sex crime case involving a child in 2015. The Blast claim that yesterday’s plea deal does not violate this.
Takeshi made headlines earlier this month when he threatened to “fuck up” 50 Cent – before 50 says he’ll “slap the colour out his hair”.