Tekashi69 Quietly Taking the Plea Deal in Exchange for Cooperating

It’s no secret that rapper Daniel Hernandez, aka Tekashi69, has found himself deep in troubled legal waters. Last November, he and several associates were arrested and hit with numerous federal felony charges in connection with the Nine Trey Gang, a violent sect of the Bloods. A conviction on all counts could have landed him in prison for life; at minimum, he faced nearly 50 years behind bars.

For now, though, Tekashi has walked. He’ll likely face a far, far lighter sentence and perhaps go into witness protection.

The deal

Last month, the rapper quietly pled guilty to nine felony charges that included racketeering, conspiracy, attempted murder, firearms violations and drug trafficking. In exchange, prosecutors for the Southern District of New York agreed to drop nine additional felony counts and seek a sentence below the mandatory minimum – so long as Tekashi continues to fully cooperate with authorities. Prosecutors also agreed not to charge Tekashi for additional crimes he admitted to committing.

The backlash

It’s a sweet deal for Tekashi, but it means he’ll be looking over his shoulder for a long time to come, and may very well enter witness protection. He’ll have to testify publicly against fellow gang members. And several have already made vocal threats on his life.

Other rappers – such as Snoop Dogg and 50 Cent – have also joined in the backlash, calling Tekashi out as a “snitch” who betrayed his friends and put his family in danger to save his own skin.

For now, Tekashi is out on bail until his sentencing hearing in January 2020.

What do you think? Should he have taken the deal, or kept his mouth shut and face potentially life in prison?