Legal

Tekashi 6ix9ine could catch an even bigger break -- getting out of prison much sooner than the end of 2020, if a few small stars align for him.

Tekashi could be back on the streets by early August based on the good behavior guidelines established by the Bureau of Prisons ... according to his lawyer, Lance Lazzaro, who's taken a closer look at the numbers.

6ix9ine got 24 months, but with 13 months credit for time served ... leaving him with just 11 months remaining. That would get him out around November 2020, but then the BOP math kicks in, and the potential sentence starts shrinking.

BOP guidelines call for up to 54 days per year to be shaved off IF inmates show good behavior. So, with the 2-year sentence, he's eligible for up to a 108-day discount.

The family of "The Walking Dead" stuntman John Bernecker scored millions in a wrongful death lawsuit but it was significantly short of what they wanted.

A jury on Thursday awarded the estate $8.6 million after 2 days of deliberations ... this according to a report. AMC Networks was found NOT to be negligent, but the show and its production company, Stalwart Films, were found liable. Stalwart was found 40% responsible and the show is 25% responsible.

The jury ruled the victim -- Bernecker -- was 6% liable for his own negligence. There were others found liable as well, but it appears none will have to pay out of pocket. Insurance will cover the judgment.

Mel B's ex-husband just got an early Christmas present ... compliments of a judge who's blocking the Spice Girl from taking their daughter to the UK for the holidays.

Stephen Belafonte filed docs asking the court to allow their 8-year-old, Madison, to stay put in L.A. as opposed to traveling with her mom, and court records show the judge signed off on that.

As for why -- Belafonte reportedly claims Madison is afraid Mel B will hurt her. According to Daily Mail, Madison was allegedly "traumatized" during their last mother-daughter trip to England.

It's unclear what allegedly happened between Mel and Madison -- but Belafonte claims Mel asks their daughter for dirt on him.

The L.A. Superior Court judge ruled in Belafonte's favor, reportedly saying he wouldn't put the child in harm's way. Mel B's lawyer says the singer's set to arrive in L.A. soon to pick up Madison and their other daughter to take them back to the UK. Clearly, those plans will have to change.

Her lawyer also claims Belafonte had already approved the Christmas trip, and only recently changed his mind.

Jake Paul is a conniving music thief ... so claim a team of music producers alleging in a new lawsuit the YouTube star jacked their work.

Producers Erik Belz, Jonathan Pakfar and Shane Abrahams are suing Jake claiming the entire backing music in Jake's popular "Litmas" track was stolen right from under them.

In docs, the producers claim they produced a track dubbed "Bad Santa" back in 2015. They claim they were in the same studio as Jake on multiple occasions and alleged Jake heard the track. The producers say lo and behold ... 2 years later, Jake released "Litmas."

Specifically, the producers claim their work is original, unique and specific in terms of pitch, register and overall use, which they claim can be entirely heard in Jake's track.

The group says Jake never asked for permission to use the music and has never compensated them ... even after his track racked up nearly 17 million views on YouTube.

NBA YoungBoy scored one sweet plea deal in his assault and kidnapping case ... the most serious charges have been dropped.

The rapper pled guilty to misdemeanor simple battery family violence. In exchange, prosecutors dropped the charges of kidnapping and aggravated assault ... this according to the Ware County District Attorney's Office in Georgia.

YB will avoid jail time. He's been sentenced to 12 months probation, fined $1,500, must attend anger management classes and have no violent contact with the victim ... his GF.

Trent Williams has been slapped with a demand letter to get rid of his 9 pit bull mastiffs after his neighbor's dog was mauled and killed last week ... TMZ Sports has learned.

The NFL star's Missouri City, TX neighbor is threatening a lawsuit after her 3-year-old black lab was dragged through her backyard fence and ripped to shreds on Wednesday.

Authorities are currently investigating the dog's death -- as well as the circumstances surrounding the incident -- and Linda Flowers' attorney says they're hell-bent on getting justice.

"Right now we're hoping the authorities handle it," John Kovach tells us. "If the authorities don't handle it, that's when I come in and my firm will handle it."

"In the lawsuit, I'll seek an injunction that restrains him from having those dogs at his house."

Williams claims it was Flowers' dog that initiated the attack, but Kovach says the evidence doesn't back up his claim.

Williams also addressed the incident with local reporters last week ... saying it was "dogs doing what dogs do."

TMZ Sports has obtained the 911 call Flowers made after the incident ... and it's very emotional.

Tekashi 6ix9ine's in for a very emotional day when he finally learns his fate in his federal racketeering case, but odds are no matter what happens ... he'll cry about it.

The folks at sportsbetting.ag have released the betting lines for the rapper's sentencing hearing on Wednesday ... and they set it up for some exciting courtroom drama.

First of all, the oddsmakers don't expect 6ix9ine to get out anytime in 2020 -- they've set the "No" on that prop bet as the heavy favorite at -1000 ... meaning a bettor has to drop a grand to win $100.

However, anyone who bets on Tekashi to get released from prison in 2020 will get a 5/1 payout ... the "Yes" is currently +500.

As for the length of his prison sentence ... the line is set at 5.5 years, meaning bettors can take a shot at betting either over or under that length of time and hope the judge rules in their favor.

But, here's the really good stuff -- will Tekashi 6ix9ine cry after sentencing? The oddsmakers think it's likely ... "Yes" is favored at -300 while "No" is a +200 underdog. It doesn't matter if they're happy or sad tears either ... it cashes the same.

Ian Ziering's willing to do a little horse-trading in his divorce ... he says he'll help out his estranged wife financially for a bit, but then she's gotta get a job.

The '90210' star just filed a response in his divorce case and, according to docs, Ian says he's down to pay Erin Ziering "reasonable spousal support for a limited period of time," but he's also requesting "an order that [Erin] become self-supporting."

In docs, obtained by TMZ, Ian's also asking for joint legal and physical custody of their 2 minor daughters. Erin has asked for sole physical custody when she filed divorce papers. Translation -- it's acrimonious.

There a discrepancy on the date of separation -- Erin listed October 31 while Ian listed October 14. As we reported ... Ian announced back in October he's splitting from Erin after 9 and a half years of marriage.

Boxing star Adrien Broner has been ordered to pay more than $700k to a woman who claims AB sexually assaulted her at a nightclub back in 2018, court records show.

As we previously reported ... the woman using the alias Katherine Larson claimed she was sitting on a couch when Broner smothered her and shoved his tongue down her throat at a Cleveland nightclub on June 8, 2018.

The woman claims Broner continued the assault until his friend pulled him off her.

The woman went to police and filed a report -- and later filed a lawsuit against Broner. Earlier this year, Broner pled guilty to assault and unlawful restraint of Ms. Larson.

Quality Control CEO "Pee" Thomas is completely incapable of handling his kids -- which is why he doesn't -- according to Lira Galore ... who's calling his recent fatherhood claims into question.

The custody battle between Pee and his baby mama is getting nastier, and according to new docs ... Galore says he's unfit to take care of their 8-month-old, Khaleesi, because he doesn't take care of ANY of his 5 minor children.

According to the Galore ... Pee also lied about her allowing him unsupervised visitation with their daughter, which he claimed in response to her accusing him of abuse and asking for $15 million for her injuries. She says that is "simply untrue."

Galore alleges Pee always has his "current female friend, girlfriend, or any other women" take care of his kids whenever he has one or more of them in his custody. She claims he just uses his children for photo opportunities on social media ... then hands them off.

Lira says this even happened to her when she was in a relationship with the record exec behind Migos and Cardi B -- she often acted as a "babysitter" to Thomas' other children because she says he was not interested in spending time with them.

There's more -- Galore also doubles down on Pee being abusive toward her, and claims to have evidence he was physically abusive to 2 of his other children's mothers ... and even his own mother.

Galore says Pee lives a dangerous lifestyle that's unsafe for their child. She adds in the docs that his statements about her being physically abusive toward him and abusing drugs are flat-out lies ... and she vehemently denies them.

Tekashi 6ix9ine should remain behind bars and suffer like those impacted by the crimes he helped to commit ... so say his victims in a letter to the judge.

In letters submitted Tuesday, 2 people describe the April 2018 armed robbery in NYC, which the rapper testified was intended as a revenge hit on Rap-A-Lot Records and its honcho, J. Prince.

As we reported ... 6ix9ine claims members of his Nine Trey gang planned to rob JP and his people after a perceived diss, and pulled off an armed robbery on Rap-A-Lot reps in the lobby of a building.

Problem is ... the 2 people they robbed were a couple publicists unrelated to Rap-A-Lot -- a case of mistaken identity. According to their victim impact statements -- obtained by TMZ -- the attack has had a lasting, negative effect on them.

One victim, a 33-year-old male, says the incident "destroyed the normal adulthood that I was striving for." He says he was far removed from a life of gangs and guns and adds ... "never have I been so scared as a cold, hard metallic gun was pressed against my abdomen."

He claims the attack made him scared for his life, and afterward, he became a recluse who was afraid to sleep in his own home. He says he still lives in constant fear someone associated with Tekashi will be sent to "finish the job." He ends his letter by asking the judge ... "Why should this person, who nearly ended my life, be free when I am not free?"

Denver Broncos safety Kareem Jackson was just slapped with a 2-game suspension -- ending his 2019 season -- after cops busted him for DUI back in September.

Jackson -- a 31-year-old stud defender -- was arrested on September 19 in Denver after officials say he was speeding and driving under the influence.

KJ -- a former 1st round pick who was a star at Alabama -- immediately reported the arrest to Broncos officials ... who passed the news on to the NFL.

The league investigated ... and on Tuesday they handed Jackson a 2-game suspension.

The Broncos are 5-9 and have no shot to make the playoffs ... so it's not that big of a blow for the squad.

Jackson owned up to his screw up ... and posted a heartfelt apology on Twitter.

"I would like to apologize to the Broncos organization, my teammates & fans. I understand the severity in my lapse of judgement and I will certainly not make this mistake again. I know I am fortunate to play in the NFL and am held to a high standard of professionalism and conduct."

The Broncos also released a statement addressing Jackson's arrest.

"Kareem Jackson was arrested for driving under the influence on Thursday, Sept. 19. He immediately informed our team of the incident, which we promptly reported to the NFL and thoroughly reviewed as an organization."

“There are high standards for the personal conduct of all members of our organization, and we have expressed our extreme disappointment to Kareem for his poor judgment. Under the NFL Policy and Program on Substances of Abuse, he has been suspended for the Broncos’ final two games of the 2019 season.”

As far as his legal issues ... Jackson appeared before a judge in Colorado earlier this week and plead guilty to a reduced charge -- driving while ability impaired.

Miley Cyrus is adding more fuel to the fire amid rumors she's forming a band with Cody Simpson ... the singer is trying to lock down the rights to what could be their band's name.

Miley's company filed legal docs asking the feds for ownership of the name, Bandit and Bardot ... which is super interesting because the same phrase is the handle on a new IG account that's only following Miley and Cody.

The trademark would cover entertainment services, including live music performances by a band and live performances by a professional singer, musician and entertainer.

It also would cover a website focused on live concerts, plus the production of sound recordings on all types of mediums -- CDs, DVDs, downloads, ring tones and more.

Connect the dots and it sure seems like Miley is gearing up to start a band called Bandit and Bardot ... ostensibly with Cody, who she's been getting super close with following her breakup with Kaitlynn Carter and split from Liam Hemsworth.

Russell Westbrook isn't fazed by the $100 MILLION lawsuit filed against him over an incident with a heckler ... we're told his camp strongly feels the suit is "meritless."

Westbrook is being sued by Shane Keisel -- a U.S. Army vet who got into it with the Houston Rockets player during a March 11 game in Utah against the Jazz.

In his suit, Keisel admits he tried to heckle Westbrook by telling the NBA star "that he should just sit down and ice his knees."

But, Keisel claims Westbrook misheard him believing he shouted a homophobic insult -- "get down on your knees like you used to."

Westbrook went nuclear on Keisel and his girlfriend, Jennifer Huff -- yelling, "I'll f*ck you up. You and your wife. I'll f*ck you up." Video of Westbrook's comments went viral.

In fact, Keisel says he was banned from the Vivint Smart Home Arena and all Utah Jazz games for life. Plus, Keisel says he was fired from his job, kicked out of a pilot training program and has received numerous death threats.

The Jazz claims they conducted an investigation before issuing the ban -- but Keisel says the probe is massively flawed ... with no video evidence showing him making any sexual or racial slurs. And, Keisel says witnesses who were sitting in the area are siding with him, not Westbrook.

He and Huff are now suing both Westbrook and the Jazz for $100 million for defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, false light and more.

A source close to Westbrook slammed the claims telling us, "The lawsuit is meritless. The Jazz conducted their own investigation of the guy's conduct at that game and based on their investigation, they decided to ban him from attending any future Jazz games."

A campus resource officer in North Carolina is out on his ass after he was caught on camera physically abusing a middle school student by slamming the kid to the ground ... twice.

The Vance County Sheriff's Office confirmed Monday the unnamed deputy who was assigned to Vance County Middle School in Henderson, NC was, in fact, fired. He'd been placed on administrative leave last week as an investigation got underway.

The school district there filed a complaint with the Sheriff's Office on Friday as footage of the violent incident surfaced. The deputy is seen walking down a hallway with the student and then suddenly slamming the child -- reportedly under 12 years old -- to the ground like a rag doll.

The aftermath is equally disturbing ... as the deputy drags the seemingly unconscious child through the hall.

It's unclear what precipitated the violence, but frankly ... does it really matter?

One little bloody stabbing incident and it seems the apartment complex where Terrelle Pryor lives wants him out.

TMZ Sports has obtained a court document filed by Heinz Lofts in Pittsburgh -- noting Pryor and Shalaya Briston "violated rules and regulations" of their rent agreement.

The document doesn't say exactly what Pryor and Briston did wrong but it seems pretty obvious since they haven't been back to the apartment since the Nov. 30 incident. ... you know, when Pryor as stabbed.

As we previously reported, Pryor was hospitalized and almost died after suffering a stab wound to the chest during an altercation with his GF, Shalaya Briston.

Cops say when they investigated the scene, there was blood EVERYWHERE ... from the apartment to the parking garage. Graphic stuff.