Federal prosecutors are asking a New York judge for leniency on behalf of rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine in exchange for testimony he provided against members of his former gang. U.S. Attorney says the rapper’s assistance was “incredibly significant and extremely useful” in prosecuting and convicting 2 members of the Nine Trey Bloods. The 23-year-old, born Daniel Martinez, agreed to turn federal witness in order to avoid the mandatory minimum sentence of 47 years.
Tekashi was charged with racketeering, firearms offenses, conspiracy, narcotics trafficking and other crimes. He was arrested in November 2018 and news of his cooperation was made public in February 2019. Investigators have intercepted cell phone threats aimed at the rapper but he has declined witness protection.
The feds say Tekashi confirmed criminal activity of the notorious gang as documented on his social media accounts. Defendants Anthony “Harv” Ellison and Aljermiah Mack claim that everything was a hoax to promote Tekashi’s music. The defendant’s lawyers insisted that the testimony was being fabricated by 6ix9ine in order avoid prosecution.
Federal prosecutors acknowledge that testimony given in open court put the rapper and his family in danger. They told the court, “There’s no doubt that the defendant’s life will never be the same because of his cooperation in this case.” The document goes on to say that the family will need “extra safety precautions” at all times to avoid a revenge attack.
Judge Paul A. Engelmayer is expected to issue sentencing in the case on December 18. Prosecutors did not ask for a specific sentence and the decision is ultimately up to the judge.
