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As Tekashi69 Is Released, Inmates Fearing Coronavirus Ask, ‘Why Not Me?’ As Tekashi69 Is Released, Inmates Fearing Coronavirus Ask, ‘Why Not Me?’
(about 16 hours later)
The rapper Tekashi69 walked out of a federal prison on Thursday, four months short of his two-year term, thanks to a nationwide effort to stem coronavirus outbreak risks at jails and prisons, which health advocates fear might become a tinder box for infections.The rapper Tekashi69 walked out of a federal prison on Thursday, four months short of his two-year term, thanks to a nationwide effort to stem coronavirus outbreak risks at jails and prisons, which health advocates fear might become a tinder box for infections.
Tekashi69 (born Daniel Hernandez), 23, will finish the remainder of his sentence in home confinement, his lawyer, Lance Lazzaro, said.Tekashi69 (born Daniel Hernandez), 23, will finish the remainder of his sentence in home confinement, his lawyer, Lance Lazzaro, said.
Last year, Mr. Hernandez — also known as 6ix9ine — pleaded guilty to a series of gang robberies and shootings, cooperating with authorities by testifying against his former associates in the gang Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods. He has asthma, which his lawyer argued gave him a heightened vulnerability to the coronavirus.Last year, Mr. Hernandez — also known as 6ix9ine — pleaded guilty to a series of gang robberies and shootings, cooperating with authorities by testifying against his former associates in the gang Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods. He has asthma, which his lawyer argued gave him a heightened vulnerability to the coronavirus.
U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer, who sentenced him, agreed, saying that the pandemic presented “extraordinary and compelling reasons” for a compassionate release of Mr. Hernandez, who, he wrote in his order on Thursday, “no longer will present a meaningful danger to the community if at liberty.”U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer, who sentenced him, agreed, saying that the pandemic presented “extraordinary and compelling reasons” for a compassionate release of Mr. Hernandez, who, he wrote in his order on Thursday, “no longer will present a meaningful danger to the community if at liberty.”
Last week, Judge Engelmayer wrote in a guidance to the Bureau of Prisons: “Had the Court known that sentencing Mr. Hernandez to serve the final four months of his term in a federal prison would have exposed him to a heightened health risk, the Court would have directed that these four months be served instead in home confinement.”Last week, Judge Engelmayer wrote in a guidance to the Bureau of Prisons: “Had the Court known that sentencing Mr. Hernandez to serve the final four months of his term in a federal prison would have exposed him to a heightened health risk, the Court would have directed that these four months be served instead in home confinement.”
The coronavirus pandemic has created mounting, and sometimes conflicting, pressures on prison and public health officials as they scramble to avert a crisis inside and around prison walls. Discharging criminals is typically unpopular with law enforcement and sometimes criticized by victims’ rights groups, and it also raises questions about who qualifies for mercy. Some cities and states have taken broad actions to release swaths of nonviolent offenders in an effort to mitigate the spread behind bars. But the fate of other inmates is decided individually, with petitions to judges.The coronavirus pandemic has created mounting, and sometimes conflicting, pressures on prison and public health officials as they scramble to avert a crisis inside and around prison walls. Discharging criminals is typically unpopular with law enforcement and sometimes criticized by victims’ rights groups, and it also raises questions about who qualifies for mercy. Some cities and states have taken broad actions to release swaths of nonviolent offenders in an effort to mitigate the spread behind bars. But the fate of other inmates is decided individually, with petitions to judges.
Mr. Hernandez’s underlying health issues, his earlier cooperation with the authorities and the short remainder of his sentence may have made him a good candidate for release. But other high-profile inmates, like Bill Cosby and R. Kelly, are arguing for home confinement too, so far without success.Mr. Hernandez’s underlying health issues, his earlier cooperation with the authorities and the short remainder of his sentence may have made him a good candidate for release. But other high-profile inmates, like Bill Cosby and R. Kelly, are arguing for home confinement too, so far without success.
“You have to make some actuarial decisions based on who presents the least public safety threat,” said Michael Jacobson, director of the CUNY Institute for State and Local Governance and former New York City correction commissioner. “It’s all going to present some level of risk, but we already know the level of risk if you don’t do it.”“You have to make some actuarial decisions based on who presents the least public safety threat,” said Michael Jacobson, director of the CUNY Institute for State and Local Governance and former New York City correction commissioner. “It’s all going to present some level of risk, but we already know the level of risk if you don’t do it.”
Mr. Lazzaro, Mr. Hernandez’s lawyer, said that the rapper was treated for shortness of breath in the last week, but was feeling better now.Mr. Lazzaro, Mr. Hernandez’s lawyer, said that the rapper was treated for shortness of breath in the last week, but was feeling better now.
A rising music star and internet personality once known for his long rainbow-colored locks, Mr. Hernandez, who grew up in Brooklyn, had a multiplatinum hit song, “Fefe,” with Nicki Minaj in 2018, and signed a $10 million record contract shortly before he was sentenced last December. His persona was built around boasts that he could outrun the law even as he live streamed videos of himself with guns and taunted rival gangs online. But after he was arrested on firearms and racketeering charges in November 2018, Mr. Hernandez began speaking with the government and agreed to testify for the prosecution against his former gang mates.A rising music star and internet personality once known for his long rainbow-colored locks, Mr. Hernandez, who grew up in Brooklyn, had a multiplatinum hit song, “Fefe,” with Nicki Minaj in 2018, and signed a $10 million record contract shortly before he was sentenced last December. His persona was built around boasts that he could outrun the law even as he live streamed videos of himself with guns and taunted rival gangs online. But after he was arrested on firearms and racketeering charges in November 2018, Mr. Hernandez began speaking with the government and agreed to testify for the prosecution against his former gang mates.
Mr. Hernandez, prosecutors noted, turned against Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods — a faction of the Bloods — at great personal risk. As a result, he was held in a private prison that was run by U.S. Marshals, his lawyer said, and the location of his home confinement could not be revealed. The paperwork that related to his release was not filed publicly until he was in his new residence, to “ensure the safety of law enforcement agents and Mr. Hernandez upon his release from custody,” according to a letter from the Justice Dept. to the courts.Mr. Hernandez, prosecutors noted, turned against Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods — a faction of the Bloods — at great personal risk. As a result, he was held in a private prison that was run by U.S. Marshals, his lawyer said, and the location of his home confinement could not be revealed. The paperwork that related to his release was not filed publicly until he was in his new residence, to “ensure the safety of law enforcement agents and Mr. Hernandez upon his release from custody,” according to a letter from the Justice Dept. to the courts.
Mr. Hernandez had previously rejected the idea of entering the witness protection program, saying he planned to continue making music upon his release, which is set for July 31 (he was given credit for time served at his sentencing).Mr. Hernandez had previously rejected the idea of entering the witness protection program, saying he planned to continue making music upon his release, which is set for July 31 (he was given credit for time served at his sentencing).
“He has no intention of going into” witness protection, Mr. Lazzaro said on Thursday. “He hopes to resume his career.”“He has no intention of going into” witness protection, Mr. Lazzaro said on Thursday. “He hopes to resume his career.”
The rapper’s release comes as prison reform advocates and some health officials are sounding an alarm about a potential disaster among the incarcerated, citing the impossibility of social distancing in prison cells, the banning of hand sanitizer, and the likelihood that corrections officers would spread the illness in their communities, as the virus catches on. Thousands of inmates and officers in municipal, state and federal facilities have already tested positive, and at least five inmates at federal facilities have died because of the coronavirus outbreak since March 28, according to the Bureau of Prisons.The rapper’s release comes as prison reform advocates and some health officials are sounding an alarm about a potential disaster among the incarcerated, citing the impossibility of social distancing in prison cells, the banning of hand sanitizer, and the likelihood that corrections officers would spread the illness in their communities, as the virus catches on. Thousands of inmates and officers in municipal, state and federal facilities have already tested positive, and at least five inmates at federal facilities have died because of the coronavirus outbreak since March 28, according to the Bureau of Prisons.
Updated June 16, 2020Updated June 16, 2020
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Since Attorney General William P. Barr wrote a letter on March 26, directing federal institutions to prioritize home confinement, the Bureau of Prisons has placed 471 inmates into residences, a spokesman said.Since Attorney General William P. Barr wrote a letter on March 26, directing federal institutions to prioritize home confinement, the Bureau of Prisons has placed 471 inmates into residences, a spokesman said.
Though several prominent individuals have asked for clemency in recent weeks, few have succeeded. Agustin Huneeus Jr., 54, a winemaker sentenced to five months in federal prison for his involvement in the college admissions scandal, was released in March, two weeks early, because of “unique health circumstances.”Though several prominent individuals have asked for clemency in recent weeks, few have succeeded. Agustin Huneeus Jr., 54, a winemaker sentenced to five months in federal prison for his involvement in the college admissions scandal, was released in March, two weeks early, because of “unique health circumstances.”
R. Kelly, who is being held on federal charges in Chicago, also recently filed a petition for his release, citing a higher health risk tied to a recent surgery. “I think his fame works against him,” Steve Greenberg, Mr. Kelly’s lawyer, said on Thursday. “If she lets him out, it will be, ‘He got special treatment because he’s R. Kelly,’” he said, referring to U.S. District Judge Ann M. Donnelly, who is overseeing the case. “And if she doesn’t let him out, people will say she didn’t let him out because he’s R. Kelly.”R. Kelly, who is being held on federal charges in Chicago, also recently filed a petition for his release, citing a higher health risk tied to a recent surgery. “I think his fame works against him,” Steve Greenberg, Mr. Kelly’s lawyer, said on Thursday. “If she lets him out, it will be, ‘He got special treatment because he’s R. Kelly,’” he said, referring to U.S. District Judge Ann M. Donnelly, who is overseeing the case. “And if she doesn’t let him out, people will say she didn’t let him out because he’s R. Kelly.”
Bill Cosby’s lawyers are working on his petition, said Andrew Wyatt, a representative for Mr. Cosby, but are holding off to see if Pennsylvania lawmakers will first vote to release inmates facing a high risk of contracting the coronavirus. Mr. Cosby is 82 and blind, Mr. Wyatt said, and two inmates in the same facility have tested positive for the virus.Bill Cosby’s lawyers are working on his petition, said Andrew Wyatt, a representative for Mr. Cosby, but are holding off to see if Pennsylvania lawmakers will first vote to release inmates facing a high risk of contracting the coronavirus. Mr. Cosby is 82 and blind, Mr. Wyatt said, and two inmates in the same facility have tested positive for the virus.
“He has 18 months left before he can go before the parole board,” Mr. Wyatt said on Thursday. “Are you saying you’re not going to give him a fighting chance? He was not given a life-or-death sentence.”“He has 18 months left before he can go before the parole board,” Mr. Wyatt said on Thursday. “Are you saying you’re not going to give him a fighting chance? He was not given a life-or-death sentence.”
The greatest challenge judges have to face, Mr. Jacobson said, is figuring out the bar for who can go home and who can stay — and doing so quickly, before the virus continues to spread.The greatest challenge judges have to face, Mr. Jacobson said, is figuring out the bar for who can go home and who can stay — and doing so quickly, before the virus continues to spread.
“None of this is easy,” Mr. Jacobson said. “But what choice do we have?”“None of this is easy,” Mr. Jacobson said. “But what choice do we have?”