[griojw id=”iugmF7WT” playerid=”GqX43ZoG”]
After being arrested on racketeering and firearms charges, it was announced on Monday, that rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine‘s federal trial will begin Sept. 4, 2019, according to Complex.
His attorney, Lance Lazzaro, is planning to apply for bail directly to the trial judge, TMZ reports. The 22-year-old rapper, whose real name is Daniel Hernandez, and five others were indicted Nov. 19 by a federal grand jury on racketeering and firearms charges. He pled not guilty.
READ MORE: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez shows love to Afro-Latina heritage
Lazzaro, TMZ writes, has argued that Hernandez is not a criminal but “an entertainer who portrays a ‘gangster image’ to promote his music.”
What’s not entertaining are the numerous incidents mentioned in the indictment including an alleged armed robbery on April 3 and a July 16 incident in which an innocent woman was shot in the foot.
“This criminal enterprise has no business in our city, and we will continue to work with our partners to ensure that Nine Trey crew members, including the more well-known Tekashi 6ix9ine, are in a place where they cannot inflict further violence on our communities,” Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Angel M. Melendez previously said in a press release first announcing the rapper’s arrest.
The racketeering and gun charges come on the heels of his conviction last month for sexual misconduct with a 13-year-old girl. He was sentenced to just four years of probation in that case.
Afterward, he addressed the judge directly and embraced his government name, saying he’s Daniel Hernandez, not Tekashi69. He added, “I have millions of youth that look at me as a role model and the last place I want to be is incarcerated, they don’t deserve it. Thank you.”
The judge gave him credit for one year, so he effectively only has 3 years of probation left. He’ll also have to perform 1,000 hours of community service, and refrain from associating with any gang members and avoid all gang activity.
READ MORE: Oprah Winfrey’s mother, Vernita Lee, dies on Thanksgiving day at 83
Hernandez received the reduced sentence when the 22-year-old rapper was granted a “youthful offender” plea.
The rapper’s next court date in the racketeering case is set for Jan. 22.