Tekashi 6ix9ine Indicted On Firearm And Racketeering Charges With Nine Trey Gang Members

The New York rapper - real name Daniel Hernandez - was called before the magistrate along with five other members, believed to be involved with the Nine Trey gang.

Among those charged were Faheem Walter (aka Crippy), Jamel Jones (aka Mel Murda), Jensel Butler (aka Ish) and Fuguan Lovick (aka Fu Banga). As well as Tekashi, the rapper's ex-manager Kifano Jordan (aka Shotti) has also been charged.

He said: "As alleged in the indictment, this gang, which included platinum-selling rap artist Tekashi 6ix9ine, wreaked havoc on New York City, engaging in brazen acts of violence.

"Showing reckless indifference to others' safety, members of the gang were allegedly involved in robberies and shootings, including a shooting inside the crowded Barclays Center, and a shooting in which an innocent bystander was hit.

"Thanks to the extraordinary work of HSI (Homeland Security Investigations), ATF (the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) and the NYPD, the defendants will now face justice in federal court."

Nine Trey is said to be a criminal enterprise involved in committing numerous acts of violence, including shootings, robberies, and assaults in and around Manhattan and Brooklyn.

In the US Department of Justice statement, it said members and associates of Nine Trey "engaged in violence to retaliate against rival gangs, to promote the standing and reputation of Nine Trey, and to protect the gang's narcotics business."

HSI Special Agent in Charge Angel M. Melendez said: "Members of Nine Trey, who wielded firearms and pushed highly addictive drugs onto New York City streets, allegedly showed an unprecedented level of violence this year, and for that they are now facing multiple charges, including an incident in which an innocent bystander was shot.

"This criminal enterprise has no business in our city, and we will continue to work with our partners to ensure that Nine Trey crew members, including the more well-known Tekashi 6ix9ine, are in a place where they cannot inflict further violence on our communities."

The 22-year-old rapper could face a penalty of life in prison for the combination of charges such as racketeering and using or carrying a firearm, if found guilty.