Tekashi 6ix9ine Faces Potential Long-Term Detention in Dominican Republic, Legal Expert Warns

Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine is facing a lengthy legal battle after being arrested in the Dominican Republic on Sunday, October 15th, for the alleged assault of two music producers. Attorney Neama Rahmani, who is not associated with the case, stated exclusively to We on Tuesday, October 17th, that Tekashi 6ix9ine could potentially be detained in the Dominican Republic for numerous months, or even years.

According to Rahmani, the claims that Tekashi 6ix9ine tried to escape the country will not benefit the musician's case. Rahmani stated that when considering whether someone should be detained, two factors are taken into account: the risk of flight and the danger to the community. Rahmani explained that attempting to flee when there is a warrant shows consciousness of guilt.

Tekashi 6ix9ine John Parra/Getty Images

The attorney mentioned that Tekashi 6ix9ine's extensive criminal record could potentially be detrimental to his detainment situation. Rahmani stated that it is likely he will remain in custody for a significant period until his case is resolved. This is because Tekashi 6ix9ine was previously given four years of probation in October 2018 following his admission of guilt for involvement in the creation and dissemination of a video featuring a 13-year-old girl engaging in explicit acts.

Less than a year later, in February 2019, the artist known for "GOOBA" managed to avoid a lengthy prison sentence by pleading guilty to nine charges, which included conspiracy to commit murder and armed robbery. In exchange for his testimony against fellow members of the Nine Trey Gangster Bloods gang, he was able to reduce the original potential sentence of over 40 years, which he had been initially charged with in 2018.

Tekashi 6ix9ine was sentenced to two years in prison in December 2019 because of his cooperation during the trial. However, he was released early in April 2020 due to concerns about his vulnerability to the COVID-19 pandemic, given his asthma condition.

When it comes to the possibility of Tekashi 6ix9ine facing jail time for his legal issues in the Dominican Republic, Rahmani stated that it would depend on various factors. In the United States, there are two main types of assaults - misdemeanor assault and felony assault. The determining factors would be whether a weapon was involved and if there was significant bodily harm inflicted.

Rahmani emphasized that regardless of the outcome, the case is expected to unfold in the Dominican Republic.

"This is a case that belongs to the Dominican Republic. The alleged assault took place there. The victims and witnesses are there, along with the video evidence," he stated. "Therefore, this should stay within the jurisdiction of the Dominican Republic. It will not be handled here in the United States."

With reporting by Christina Garibaldi