The coronavirus might help Tekashi 6ix9ine get out of prison as early as tomorrow.
Let’s just say R. Kelly is definitely punching the air right now. Disgraced rapper Daniel “Tekashi 6ix9ine” Hernandez could be released from prison on Thursday. This move comes after Tekashi’s lawyer, Lance Lazzaro, filed a motion to have the New York native released amid worries of the coronavirus breaking out within the prison.
Tekashi pleaded guilty to nine federal felonies, including racketeering conspiracy, firearms charges, narcotics trafficking, and violent crimes in aid of racketeering. He was sentenced to two years in prison and has currently served 17 months. Variety reports that Tekashi’s lawyer first submitted a motion last week explaining the rapper was already at risk of catching the virus because of his asthma.
Judge Paul Engelmayer, who presided over Hernandez’s case, could not legally make a decision on that matter but supported Lazzaro’s following motion to the Bureau of Prisons. At first, the Bureau of Prisons denied it because Tekashi is not in one of its facilities. However, Lazzaro appealed the issue to Engelmayer, who will make the end call on whether or not the social media star is released. Variety reports the decision could come as late as Thursday.
“Based on what [Engelmayer] wrote this morning, it seems likely he’s going to grant it,” Lazzaro told Rolling Stone. The prosecutors have until 5 p.m. on Wednesday to make their case as to why Tekashi should stay in prison. A letter obtained by Rolling Stone from the United States Attorney Geoffrey Berman that reads, “the Government does not oppose the defendant’s motion for compassionate release.”
But just because Tekashi might get released early doesn’t mean he’ll be free from serving the rest of his sentence. If let go, Tekashi will more than likely serve the last four months in home confinement. There are no details on where he will be placed.
