New York, NY – Tekashi 6ix9ine’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for next Wednesday (December 18).
Before his fate is sealed, the incarcerated rapper has penned a letter to Judge Paul A. Engelmayer the Thurgood Marshall United States Courthouse in New York City, begging him for a lighter sentence and apologizing for his crimes.
In the letter, obtained by TMZ, 6ix9ine expressed regret for his actions and admitted he wasn’t being true to himself. At the same time, he accepted full responsibility for his role in the situation.
“I realize that I placed myself in this position with the choices I made,” he wrote in part. “I know that I am not a victim because my actions contributed to this mess. I have had plenty time to reflect and since the time my I arrest I have asked myself, ‘Are you remorseful because what happened or because you were caught?’
“I now know that I am remorseful for what happened because I was blessed with a gift an opportunity that most people dream but I squandered it by getting involved with the wrong people and misrepresenting myself when I should have been true to myself and my fans.”
The polarizing rap figure also issued an apology to those affected by his criminal activity and promised he would change his behavior if given the opportunity.
“I’m sorry to the victims who were affected by my actions, to my fans who look up to me and were misled, to my family who depends on me and to this courtroom for this mess I contributed to,” he continued. “I’m truly sorry for the harm that I’ve caused. If given a second chance, I will not let this Court down and I will dedicate a portion my life to helping others not make the same mistakes that I’ve made.”
The letter is signed with his government name, Daniel Hernandez.
6ix9ine was arrested on racketeering charges in November 2018 alongside former manager Kifano “Shotti” Jordan.
During the trial alleged Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods members Aljermiah “Nuke” Mack and Anthony “Harv” Ellison in October, 6ix9ine admitted under oath he’d agreed to cooperate with the federal government only one day after his arrest.
His testimony helped convict both Mack and Ellison multiple felonies stemming from their illegal activity. Ellison was found guilty kidnapping in aid racketeering as well as racketeering conspiracy and maiming and assault with a dangerous weapon in aid racketeering, while Mack was found guilty racketeering conspiracy and narcotics trafficking.
Earlier this month, United States Attorney Gefrey S. Berman submitted a letter to the judge recommending 6ix9ine’s sentence should be reduced, explaining he was integral to the entire case. Due to 6ix9ine’s cooperation, it’s possible he could be free as early as January 2020.
Read the full letter here.