Rapper Tekashi69, former manager arrested on racketeering, firearms charges

Rapper Tekashi69 has been arrested after a joint investigation of the New York Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations and the Justice Department’s New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The arrest was made Sunday in New York on racketeering and firearms charges.

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TMZ reported that the 22-year-old rapper, who stylizes his name as 6ix9ine and whose real name is Daniel Hernandez, is in custody with his ex-manager and two other former associates, including his bodyguard Faheem "Crippy" Walter.

"As alleged in the indictment, this gang, which included platinum-selling rap artist Tekashi 6ix 9ine, wreaked havoc on New York City, engaging in brazen acts of violence." U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Geoffrey S. Berman said in a news release. "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. Thanks to the extraordinary work of HSI, ATF, and the NYPD, the defendants will now face justice in federal court."

"The individuals charged today with racketeering conspiracy and firearms offenses are members and associates of the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods, also known as 'Nine Trey,'" ATF Special Agent in Charge Ashan M. Benedict said in a statement. "The members and associates of this street gang engaged in violent robberies, assaults, and shootings. The ATF/ NYPD Joint Firearms Task Force, with members from HSI, Federal Probation, NYS Parole and NYC Department of Correction, work tirelessly alongside their other law enforcement partners to rid the streets of individuals that spread violence and endanger their fellow citizens."

On Friday, Hernandez said on Instagram that he fired his manager, Kifano "Shottie" Jordan, and his entire team. He also canceled his North American tour.

Hernandez is set to release his debut album “Dummy Boy” Nov. 23.

This is the rapper's latest run-in with the law. Rolling Stone reported he was sentenced to four years probation in October after he admitted he used a 13-year-old child in a sexual performance. He was sentenced to one year of probation after he pleaded guilty to a disorderly conduct charge in connection with an assault on a police officer in May.

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