Controversial US rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine has been ordered to serve an additional three months behind bars after a federal judge ruled he had broken the terms of his supervised release.
Judge's Frustration Over Repeated Offences
The sentencing took place on Friday in a Manhattan federal court, where Judge Paul Engelmayer made clear his exasperation with the artist's continued legal troubles. The 29-year-old, whose real name is Daniel Hernandez, had previously received a 45-day sentence in late 2024 for similar violations.
Judge Engelmayer stated that Hernandez's actions often suggested he believed "ordinary rules don't apply to you." He emphasised that another prison term was necessary to deliver a clear message to the rapper.
Violations: Drugs and Assault
The latest sentence stems from two specific incidents. In March, police discovered small quantities of cocaine and ecstasy during a raid on the performer's Miami residence. Then, in August, Hernandez assaulted a man at a shopping centre in Florida who had taunted him about his past cooperation with authorities in a major gang prosecution.
Hernandez admitted to these violations during the court hearing. His legal representative had argued for a lesser penalty, requesting six months of home confinement instead of further imprisonment.
A History of Gang Involvement and Cooperation
The rapper's current supervised release conditions originated from a 2018 case. Hernandez pleaded guilty to involvement with the violent Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods gang. His subsequent cooperation with prosecutors in a racketeering trial against other gang members led to a reduced sentence in 2019: two years in prison followed by five years of supervised release.
He was even released from federal prison several months early in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During his court speech, Hernandez gave a lengthy account of the retaliation he and his family have faced since becoming a government witness, alleging harassment and threats, including a coffin left at his home.
This latest three-month sentence marks another chapter in the turbulent legal saga of the rapper, who rose to fame with his 2017 hit "Gummo." It remains to be seen if this custodial term will deter future breaches of his probation conditions.
