Federal Judge Paul A. Engelmayer adjourned court yesterday after handing down a sentence of 24 months to rapper Daniel Hernandez, aka Tekashi 6ix9ine. He was originally facing 47 years for his involvement in gang activity and racketeering. Hernandez agreed to testify against fellow members of the Nine Trey Gangsters in exchange for a lighter sentence.
Victims of an armed robbery involving Hernandez, wrote letters asking the judge to consider them when he imposed sentencing. The robbery, where one victim was shot, took place in the lobby of a New York City building in April 2018. It turned out to be a case of mistaken identity; the intended victim, CEO of Rap-A-Lot Records, J. Prince.
Hernandez testified that Prince was targeted because of a perceived diss. The rapper claimed that members of his Nine Trey gang planned to rob Prince but instead robbed publicists that worked in the building, unrelated to the record label.
One female robbery victim, who suffered a gunshot wound to the foot, was able to address the court prior to sentencing. Hernandez had offered to pay her medical bills.
According to TMZ, evidence from the robbery was found in Hernandez’s home, including the cell phone he used to recorded the incident.
Hernandez has been in custody since November 2018. With time served, he may be out of prison by Fall of next year.
