Tekashi 6ix9ine Admits to Drug Violation, Prosecutors Advocate for Second Chance
Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine, whose real name is Daniel Hernandez, acknowledged a breach of his supervised release terms during a court appearance on Wednesday. Authorities discovered MDMA and cocaine hidden in his bedroom during a raid.
In a surprising turn of events, federal prosecutors in Manhattan agreed to drop additional drug and gun charges against the artist in exchange for his guilty plea. They also requested a postponement of his sentencing to allow him to fulfill community service obligations.
“It seems the defendant has turned a corner,” remarked Assistant US Attorney Jonathan Rebold, addressing the court. “We believe that there’s a value in allowing the defendant to head in the correct direction.”
During the hearing, the 29-year-old rapper appeared noticeably subdued, dressed in a black hoodie with his hair styled in boxer braids. He disclosed to Judge Paul Engelmayer that he has been attending weekly psychiatric sessions for depression and PTSD but admitted to neglecting his prescribed Zoloft.
Judge Engelmayer agreed to delay Hernandez’s sentencing until September 25, cautioning him that any further legal infractions could lead to serious repercussions. “The court would have the authority to impose a prison term of up to five years,” he stated, while also noting that sentencing guidelines typically suggest a punishment of three to nine months for such violations.
Hernandez’s potential shift towards rehabilitation may offer him a chance to move past his tumultuous history. In 2019, he gained notoriety for testifying against former associates from the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods, resulting in a two-year prison sentence. He was released early in April 2020 due to health concerns related to asthma amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, his post-release life has been marred by various legal troubles, including civil lawsuits and an assault incident in a Florida gym. His probation officer reported him for failing drug tests and traveling without authorization, leading to his arrest in November 2024.
A raid by federal probation officers in March uncovered drugs concealed in his bathroom cabinet, prompting this latest court appearance. As he exited the courtroom after the hearing, Hernandez pulled his hoodie over his head and declined to comment, stating simply, “No comment.”
