Tekashi 6ix9ine is in need of new legal representation. A judge has reportedly removed one of 6ix9ine’s lawyers from his racketeering case ahead of his trial, XXL reports. The decision was made during a pre-trial conference on Tuesday (Jan. 22).
The presiding Judge Paul A. Engelmayer ruled that the 6ix9ine’s lawyer, Lance Lazarro, would have to be removed from the case due to a potential conflict of interest. Lazarro reportedly represented Tekashi’s co-defendants, Faheem “Crippy” Walter and Kifano “Shotti” Jordan before representing 6ix9ine in his racketeering case.
During the conference, Engelmayer stated that he was upset that Lazarro had not disclosed his relationship with the co-defendants previously. Lazarro reportedly represented Walter for a gang assault charge in Oct. 2018 and Jordan for numerous charges in 2009 and 2015. He explained that he didn’t think the matter was important to mention. Judge Engelmayer responded by noting that it wasn’t the attorney’s place to determine whether his previous work was significant.
Lazzaro will not be able to act as Tekashi’s lawyer until he sends letters detailing the extent of his relationships with Walter and Jordan. If the judge finds no conflict of interest, Lazarro will be able to return as an acting attorney for Tekashi. Dawn Florio will continue as part of Tekashi’s legal team.
As previously reported, the “Stoopid” artist, Walter, and Jordan are awaiting trial for a racketeering case. Tekashi pleaded not guilty to the federal charges in Nov. 2018. If convicted, he could face a life sentence in prison. His trial date is slated to begin on Sept. 4.