NEW YORK (AP) — Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine, whose real name is Daniel Hernandez, was sentenced to 45 days in prison by a federal judge on Tuesday. This decision comes after numerous violations of his probation. The judge remarked that these infractions demonstrated a lack of respect for the rules of the judicial system, especially considering the leniency he received after cooperating against the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods gang.
Judge Paul A. Engelmayer emphasized that five different probation violations—such as missing drug tests, traveling to Las Vegas from Florida without permission, and deceiving his probation officer—indicate that Tekashi 6ix9ine thinks he is above the law. “Your actions say to me loud and clear that you don’t believe the rules apply to you,” the judge stated. He insinuated that the rapper’s fame and wealth might contribute to this mindset.
Prior to announcing the additional jail time, Tekashi 6ix9ine expressed regret, noting his disappointment in himself for appearing before the judge just six months before his probation was set to end. “I let myself down. I let my family down. I fully take responsibility,” he stated, pleading for a chance to turn things around.
The judge acknowledged that while the violations were not grave in nature, they represented serious breaches of trust with the court. He noted that Tekashi 6ix9ine has had close encounters with the law multiple times, including previous arrests for minor offenses and more serious infractions like a speeding violation where he was clocked at 136 mph in a 65 mph zone.
After serving his sentence, Tekashi 6ix9ine will face additional restrictions as part of an extended probation period. This includes one month of home incarceration, followed by one month of home detention and a month of curfews. Furthermore, he will be prohibited from international travel and will be subject to electronic monitoring.
Previously, in April 2020, he received compassionate release due to health concerns related to asthma during the COVID-19 pandemic, which posed a risk in crowded prison environments. However, following his arrest on October 29, he has spent two weeks in solitary confinement, a form of detention that the judge referred to as part of the reason for not imposing a longer jail term.
In 2018, Tekashi 6ix9ine was charged with involvement with the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods and allegedly attempting to incite violence against rivals. In light of his behavior, Judge Engelmayer made it clear that it is crucial for him to understand the consequences of his actions, stating, “Your repeated brushes with the law underscore the need to get this message across to you.”
