The New York rapper could face up to life in prison if found guilty

Tekashi 6ix9ine has pled not guilty to the racketeering and firearms charges levelled against him, it has been reported.

The New York rapper, whose real name is Daniel Hernandez, was arrested by federal police earlier this month (November 18) and was accused of being a part of violent gang Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods.

In a statement following the controversial star’s arrest, US attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “As alleged in the indictment, this gang, which included platinum-selling rap artist Tekashi 6ix9ine, wreaked havoc on New York City, engaging in brazen acts of violence.

“Showing reckless indifference to others’ safety, members of the gang were allegedly involved in robberies and shootings, including a shooting inside the crowded Barclay’s Center, and a shooting in which an innocent bystander was hit.”

As Pitchfork reports, Tekashi 6ix9ine has now pled not guilty to the charges he faces, which could see him face up to life in prison. A pre-trial conference has been scheduled for January 22, 2019, while the trial itself will not start until September 4, 2019.


6ix9ine’s co-defendants have also pled not guilty. All will remain in custody at this time. The indictment against them includes allegations of murder, robbery, assault, drug dealing, and more.

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.

He is currently on probation for a sex crime case involving a child in 2015. It has been reported his plea deal in the assault case does not violate the conditions of his probation.