A fourth person has plead guilty in the federal racketeering case brought against rapper 6ix9ine (born Daniel Hernandez) and members of his former crew.
Jamel “Mel Murda” Jones entered his guilty plea in court on Wednesday (April 3), according to court documents obtained by the New York Daily News. Jones was hit with one count of racketeering conspiracy and one count of narcotics distribution conspiracy for helping to traffic heroin and fentanyl, the report states.
Jones, who used to rap under the name Mel Matrix, also admitted to his part in the criminal activities related to the Nine Trey Bloods. The 38-year-old was reportedly a “godfather” of the gang, making him the highest-ranking member on the streets, prosecutors said. However, according to the gang’s hierarchy code, the feds allege members take orders from “the prison lineup” of leaders behind bars.
Jones admitted in Manhattan Federal Court to participating in the 9 Trey’s racketeering operation and acting as a drug courier on two occasions in 2018. Under terms of his plea deal, prosecutors won’t seek a prison sentence greater than 14 years.
Following Jones’ plea, Faheem “Crippy” Walter also pleaded guilty to firearms and racketeering charges, according to Complex. Walter is the fifth person to enter a guilty plea in the case, and the fourth to plead guilty to a crime related to the April 2018 robbery in Manhattan of former 6ix9ine associate Scum Lord D!zzy.
Jensel “Ish” Butler, Kifano “Shotti” Jordan and 6ix9ine have also pleaded guilty to similar charges after items swiped in the robbery—money and D!zzy’s backpack—were found during a September 2018 raid at a property owned by 6ix9ine.
6ix9ine and his associates were indicted for the racketeering case back in November. The hip-hop star pleaded guilty to firearms and racketeering charges on Jan. 23.
Walter’s sentencing is set for July 10.
Shortly before his arrest, Jones was caught on a wiretap threatening to “super-violate” Tekashi6ix9ine for kicking his 9 Trey entourage to the curb.
Jones’ sentencing is scheduled for July 17.