Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine has been involved in the violent New York City-based gang Nine Trey for several years, federal prosecutors allege.
Assistant US Attorney Michael Longyear said Monday: ‘6ix9ine is a member of a violent sect of the Bloods… this defendant participated in multiple acts of violence.’
The 22-year-old performer and five other gang members were indicted on racketeering and firearm charges in Manhattan federal court on Monday.
The Brooklyn-based rapper, whose legal name is Daniel Hernandez, was arraigned before US Magistrate Judge Henry B. Pitman alongside five other men affiliated in the New York City-based gang, Nine Trey.
Aside from the rapper, his ex-manager, Kifano Jordan, aka Shotti has been charged. Faheem Walter, aka Crippy, Jamel Jones, aka, Mel Murda, Jensel Butler, aka Ish and Fuguan Lovick, aka Fu Banga, have also been charged.
One other individual is currently in state custody, according to a press release by the US Department of Justice. He will be transferred to federal custody.
Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine has been involved in the violent New York City-based gang Nine Trey for several years, federal prosecutors said
6ix9ine and five other gang members were indicted Monday on racketeering and firearm charges
According to the press release, Nine Trey is a ‘criminal enterprise involved in committing numerous acts of violence, including shootings, robberies, and assaults in and around Manhattan and Brooklyn.
‘Members and associates of Nine Trey engaged in violence to retaliate against rival gangs, to promote the standing and reputation of Nine Trey, and to protect the gang’s narcotics business.
The group ‘enriched themselves by committing robberies and selling drugs, such as heroin, fentanyl, furanly fentanyl, MDMA, dibutylone, and marijuana.’
The gang was established in the early 90s at Rikers and operates in other areas of the country, including California.
The rapper faces 25 years to life in prison. He is pictured in Manhattan Criminal Court in July
6ix9ine’s former manager Kifano Jordan (pictured November 7 in Manhattan court) has also been charged in the gang-related crimes
6ix9ine is currently facing 25 years to life in prison on six counts of the gang-related crimes.
US Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said the gang has been involved in multiple acts of violence and has wrecked havoc on New York City.
‘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,’ Berman said.
‘Thanks to the extraordinary work of HSI, ATF, and the NYPD, the defendants will now face justice in federal court.’
6ix9ine was arrested by ATF agents in New York on Sunday night after a joint investigation was done by the ATF, NYPD, and Homeland Security, adds the site.
He was denied bail on Monday.
6ix9ine was denied bail Monday. He now faces 25 to life in prison
The rapper has been among the most ascendant and controversial names in hip-hop in recent months.
His debut album, Day69, is among the most downloaded records on iTunes.
But he’s had several run-ins with law enforcement.
He recently pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct in Brooklyn Criminal Court in connection with a May traffic stop.
Last week the rapper revealed in an Instagram clip that he had dismissed his entire staff, including his manager and booker.
‘I fired everybody on my team,’ the Gummo artist said in the clip, imploring his fans that he was not going to be performing live in the near future, even in cases where he might be advertised.
He said: ‘I don’t got no manager, I got no booking agent, no PR, no publicist, I don’t got nobody on my team – it’s just me.’
The rapper is seen as he arrived for an arraignment in an assault case in Houston, Texas, over the summer