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Many fellow rappers, such as [[Travis Scott]], [[Drake (musician)|Drake]], [[Future (rapper)|Future]], [[21 Savage]], [[Lil Baby]], [[Lil Durk]], and [[Kanye West]], have shown support for Thug during the case.<ref name="q882">{{cite web | last=Cummings-Grady | first=Mackenzie | title=24 Rappers Who Have Mentioned Young Thug Since His Arrest | website=XXL Mag | date=9 May 2024 | url=https://www.xxlmag.com/rappers-shout-out-young-thug/ | access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref>
Many fellow rappers, such as [[Travis Scott]], [[Drake (musician)|Drake]], [[Future (rapper)|Future]], [[21 Savage]], [[Lil Baby]], [[Lil Durk]], and [[Kanye West]], have shown support for Thug during the case.<ref name="q882">{{cite web | last=Cummings-Grady | first=Mackenzie | title=24 Rappers Who Have Mentioned Young Thug Since His Arrest | website=XXL Mag | date=9 May 2024 | url=https://www.xxlmag.com/rappers-shout-out-young-thug/ | access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref>


==Events==
==Timeline==
On May 9, 2022, Thug was arrested in his hometown of [[Atlanta, Georgia]] at his house in [[Buckhead]]. He was charged alongside 27 other individuals in a 56-count [[Georgia RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) Act]] indictment that was filed by [[Fulton County, Georgia|Fulton County]] District Attorney [[Fani Willis]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Shifferaw |first1=Byabel |title=Young Thug and Gunna Arrested Amid 56-Count Indictment for 28 YSL Members Involving RICO Charges (Update) |url=https://www.complex.com/music/young-thug-gunna-charged-56-count-indictment-racketeering-rico-thug-arrested |website=Complex |access-date=August 26, 2024 |language=en |archive-date=May 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511002340/https://www.complex.com/music/young-thug-gunna-charged-56-count-indictment-racketeering-rico-thug-arrested |url-status=live }}</ref> Two days later, fellow rapper [[Gunna (rapper)|Gunna]], who is a part of YSL, turned himself in to authorities.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Henni |first1=Janine |title=Rapper Gunna Booked on Charge of Conspiracy to Violate RICO Act After Young Thug's Arrest |url=https://people.com/music/rapper-gunna-arrested-charge-conspiracy-violate-rico-act/ |website=People |access-date=August 26, 2024 |language=en |archive-date=June 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220614193632/https://people.com/music/rapper-gunna-arrested-charge-conspiracy-violate-rico-act/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Thug was also hit with extra gun and drug charges the same day after police raided his home. The case was presided by Fulton County Chief Judge Ural D. Glanville, who denied [[bail in the United States|bond]] for everybody who was charged and the trial was scheduled to begin January 9, 2023.<ref>[https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/gunna-statement-rico-act-indictment-1367957/ Gunna Asserts His Innocence in First Public Statement Since RICO Act Indictment] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221005180355/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/gunna-statement-rico-act-indictment-1367957/ |archive-date=October 5, 2022|accessdate=August 26, 2024|date=June 14, 2022|last=Blistein|first=Jon|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] }}</ref> On June 14, 2022, Gunna's 29th birthday, he wrote a letter to his fans from prison, where he asserted that he was innocent and complained about his loneliness over there.<ref name="u442"/> On August 10, a new indictment was filed, in which Thug received six more felony charges. On October 13, Thug and Gunna were again denied release from jail ahead of the trial.<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=Gunna Denied Release From Jail Once Again, Despite Protests From Lawyers|url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/gunna-denied-release-from-jail-before-trial-atlanta-judge/|date=October 13, 2022|access-date=October 14, 2022|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=October 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013220837/https://www.billboard.com/pro/gunna-denied-release-from-jail-before-trial-atlanta-judge/|url-status=live}}</ref> On December 14, Gunna was released from jail after he took an [[Alford plea]], in which he pleaded guilty to a single charge of racketeering. As a result of the plea deal, he was sentenced to five years in prison and 500 hours of community service after that, in which the first year was commuted to time served and the remaining four years were suspended due to probation conditions. Following his release, msome fellow rappers and many people on social media felt that he "snitched" on Thug by taking the plea deal to get out of jail.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Papp |first1=Jozsef |last2=Abusaid |first2=Shaddi |title=Gunna and alleged gang co-founder negotiate guilty pleas in YSL RICO case |language=English |work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |url=https://www.ajc.com/news/crime/alleged-ysl-co-founder-negotiates-guilty-plea-in-rico-indictment/AXLK47XBHZAANP2UGWRNCBA5PY/ |access-date=August 26, 2024 |issn=1539-7459 |archive-date=March 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326170415/https://www.ajc.com/news/crime/alleged-ysl-co-founder-negotiates-guilty-plea-in-rico-indictment/AXLK47XBHZAANP2UGWRNCBA5PY/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
On May 9, 2022, Thug was arrested in his hometown of [[Atlanta, Georgia]] at his house in [[Buckhead]].<ref name="k952">{{cite web | last=Fausset | first=Richard | title=Young Thug, Atlanta Rap Star, Is Arrested on Gang-Related Charges | website=The New York Times | date=10 May 2022 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/09/us/young-thug-arrested-gang.html | access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref> He was charged alongside 27 other individuals in a 56-count [[Georgia RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) Act]] indictment that was filed by [[Fulton County, Georgia|Fulton County]] District Attorney [[Fani Willis]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Shifferaw |first1=Byabel |title=Young Thug and Gunna Arrested Amid 56-Count Indictment for 28 YSL Members Involving RICO Charges (Update) |url=https://www.complex.com/music/young-thug-gunna-charged-56-count-indictment-racketeering-rico-thug-arrested |website=Complex |access-date=August 26, 2024 |language=en |archive-date=May 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511002340/https://www.complex.com/music/young-thug-gunna-charged-56-count-indictment-racketeering-rico-thug-arrested |url-status=dead }}</ref> Two days later, fellow rapper [[Gunna (rapper)|Gunna]], who is a part of YSL, turned himself in to authorities.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Henni |first1=Janine |title=Rapper Gunna Booked on Charge of Conspiracy to Violate RICO Act After Young Thug's Arrest |url=https://people.com/music/rapper-gunna-arrested-charge-conspiracy-violate-rico-act/ |website=People |access-date=August 26, 2024 |language=en |archive-date=June 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220614193632/https://people.com/music/rapper-gunna-arrested-charge-conspiracy-violate-rico-act/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Thug was later charged with additional gun-and-drug-related offenses after police raided his home.<ref name="i197">{{cite web | title=Rapper Young Thug slapped with additional gun, drug charges after arrest at Buckhead home | website=WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta | date=12 May 2022 | url=https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/atlanta/rapper-young-thug-slapped-with-additional-gun-drug-charges-after-arrest-buckhead-home/TL7TULTTLJBFBGCMYSYCFF3MKU/ | access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref>


The case was presided by Fulton County Chief Judge Ural D. Glanville, who denied [[bail in the United States|bond]] for everybody who was charged and scheduled the trial to begin on January 9, 2023.<ref>[https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/gunna-statement-rico-act-indictment-1367957/ Gunna Asserts His Innocence in First Public Statement Since RICO Act Indictment] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221005180355/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/gunna-statement-rico-act-indictment-1367957/ |archive-date=October 5, 2022|accessdate=August 26, 2024|date=June 14, 2022|last=Blistein|first=Jon|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] }}</ref>
On January 18, 2023, an alleged drug exchange took place in the courtroom between Thug and YSL co-defendant Kahlieff Adams, in which the latter received new drug charges after deputies found him in possession of more drugs. Thug was briefly hospitalized in May 2023 as a result of him falling ill during a court hearing. On June 16, 2023, Gunna released his fourth studio album, ''[[A Gift & a Curse]]'', in which he mainly talks about the case on almost every song as he maintains his innocence and denies the "snitching" allegations. Exactly a week later, Thug's third studio album, ''[[Business Is Business (Young Thug album)|Business Is Business]]'', was released while he remains in jail. On November 9, Glanville ruled that song lyrics by defendants were allowed to be used as evidence to convict them, where he claimed that "they're not prosecuting your clients because of the songs they wrote" and "they're using the songs to prove other things your clients may have been involved in", which is why he did not believe that it is an attack on free speech. The trial officially began on November 27, with the six defendants being Thug, fellow rappers Yak Gotti (real name Deamonte Kendrick) and Lil Rod (real name Rodalius Ryan), Qua (real name Marquavius Huey), SB (real name Shannon Stillwell), and Quamarvious Nichols. Thug's laywer, Brian Steel, explained that the "Thug" in his name stood for "Truly Humbled Under God" in the courtroom the following day. On December 10, SB was stabbed in jail after another inmate named Willie Brown entered his cell, with the latter claiming that SB tried to attack him with a knife and that the stabbing was an act of self-defense.

Gunna, on his June 14, 2022 birthday, wrote a letter to his fans from prison, where he asserted that he was innocent and complained about his loneliness.<ref name="l563">{{cite web | last=Garcia | first=Thania | title=Gunna Says He’s Being ‘Falsely Accused’ in Open Letter From Jail | website=Variety | date=14 June 2022 | url=https://variety.com/2022/music/news/gunna-open-letter-jail-falsely-accused-1235293818/ | access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref><ref name="u442"/> On August 10, a new indictment was file where Thug received six more felony charges.<ref name="t781">{{cite web | last=Zaru | first=Deena | title=Rapper Young Thug hit with additional felony charges in RICO indictment | website=ABC News | date=12 August 2022 | url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/rapper-young-thug-hit-additional-felony-charges-rico/story?id=88288305 | access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref> On October 13, Thug and Gunna were again denied release from jail ahead of the trial.<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=Gunna Denied Release From Jail Once Again, Despite Protests From Lawyers|url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/gunna-denied-release-from-jail-before-trial-atlanta-judge/|date=October 13, 2022|access-date=October 14, 2022|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=October 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013220837/https://www.billboard.com/pro/gunna-denied-release-from-jail-before-trial-atlanta-judge/|url-status=live}}</ref> On December 14, Gunna was released from jail after he took an [[Alford plea]], where he pleaded guilty to a single charge of racketeering.<ref name="q284">{{cite web | last=D’Zurilla | first=Christie | title=Rapper Gunna out of jail after pleading guilty to racketeering conspiracy charge | website=Los Angeles Times | date=15 December 2022 | url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2022-12-14/gunna-guilty-plea-rico-time-served-ysl-young-thug | access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref> As a result of the plea deal, he was sentenced to five years in prison and 500 hours of community service, in which the first year was commuted to time served and the remaining four years were suspended due to probation conditions.<ref name=q284/> Following his release, some fellow rappers and many people on social media felt that he "snitched" on Thug by taking the plea deal to get out of jail.<ref name="y584">{{cite web | last=Brown | first=Preezy | title=Gunna Breaks Silence On Relationship With Young Thug And Snitching Allegations | website=VIBE.com | date=16 April 2024 | url=https://www.vibe.com/news/entertainment/gunna-young-thug-snitching-allegations-1234870381/ | access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref><ref name="k548">{{cite web | last=Jones | first=Dajhea | title=Gunna and attorney speak out on YSL snitching allegations | website=11Alive.com | date=22 August 2024 | url=https://www.11alive.com/article/news/crime/ysl-trial/gunna-speaks-out-snitching-allegations-relationship-with-young-thug/85-a56577df-bd8d-473a-a43e-20d7d6b506cb | access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Papp |first1=Jozsef |last2=Abusaid |first2=Shaddi |title=Gunna and alleged gang co-founder negotiate guilty pleas in YSL RICO case |language=English |work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |url=https://www.ajc.com/news/crime/alleged-ysl-co-founder-negotiates-guilty-plea-in-rico-indictment/AXLK47XBHZAANP2UGWRNCBA5PY/ |access-date=August 26, 2024 |issn=1539-7459 |archive-date=March 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326170415/https://www.ajc.com/news/crime/alleged-ysl-co-founder-negotiates-guilty-plea-in-rico-indictment/AXLK47XBHZAANP2UGWRNCBA5PY/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On January 18, 2023, an alleged drug exchange took place in the courtroom between Thug and YSL co-defendant Kahlieff Adams, where Adams received new charges after deputies found him in possession of [[Percocet]], marijuana, tobacco and other contraband.<ref name="e170">{{cite web | title=Young Thug and Kahlieff Adams Accused of Drug Exchange in Court | website=NBC 6 South Florida | date=20 January 2023 | url=https://www.nbcmiami.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/young-thug-and-kahlieff-adams-made-hand-to-hand-drug-exchange-in-court-prosecutors-say/2955162/ | access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref> Thug was briefly hospitalized in May 2023 as a result of him falling ill during a court hearing.<ref name="p514">{{cite web | last=Curto | first=Justin | title=Young Thug ‘Feeling Fine’ After Hospitalization | website=Vulture | date=11 May 2023 | url=https://www.vulture.com/2023/05/young-thug-hospital-ill-ysl-court-trial.html | access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref> On June 16, Gunna released his fourth studio album, ''[[A Gift & a Curse]]'', in which he mainly talks about the case as he maintains his innocence and denies the "snitching" allegations.<ref name="h784">{{cite web | last=Blistein | first=Jon | title=Gunna Spurns Snitching Rumors on New Album 'A Gift and a Curse' | website=Rolling Stone | date=16 June 2023 | url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/gunna-new-album-snitching-accusations-1234772956/ | access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref><ref name="h914">{{cite web | last=Cowen | first=Trace William | title=All The Gunna Lyrics Addressing Snitching, Young Thug, and YSL Case on ‘A Gift & A Curse’ | website=Complex | date=16 June 2023 | url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/tracewilliamcowen/ways-gunna-addresses-snitching-young-thug-ysl-case-new-album | access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref> Exactly a week later, Thug's third studio album, ''[[Business Is Business (Young Thug album)|Business Is Business]]'', was released while he remains in jail.<ref name="v016">{{cite web | last=Galindo | first=Thomas | title=Young Thug Appears to Address Gunna on New Album | website=American Songwriter | date=23 June 2023 | url=https://americansongwriter.com/young-thug-appears-to-address-gunna-on-new-album/ | access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref><ref name="v043">{{cite web | last=Braboy | first=Mark P. | title=Young Thug's 'Business Is Business' Has the Feel of a Posthumous Album | website=Rolling Stone | date=26 June 2023 | url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/young-thug-business-is-business-review-1234778044/ | access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref>

On November 9, Glanville ruled that song lyrics by defendants were allowed to be used as evidence.<ref name="l656">{{cite web | last=Zaru | first=Deena | title=Judge rules rap lyrics can 'conditionally' be used as evidence in Young Thug trial | website=ABC News | date=9 November 2023 | url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/judge-rules-rap-lyrics-conditionally-evidence-young-thug/story?id=104760646 | access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref> He stated this is not an attack on [[1st Amendment|free speech]], saying that "they're not prosecuting your clients because of the songs they wrote"<ref name="q936">{{cite web | last=Donahue | first=Bill | title=Judge Rules Young Thug’s Lyrics Can Be Used In YSL RICO Case: ‘The First Amendment Is Not On Trial’ | website=Billboard | date=9 November 2023 | url=https://www.billboard.com/business/legal/young-thug-lyrics-can-be-used-ysl-rico-case-judge-ruling-1235467208/ | access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref> and "they're using the songs to prove other things your clients may have been involved in".<ref name="d728">{{cite web | last=Beaumont-Thomas | first=Ben | title=Lyrics to be introduced as evidence in trial of rapper Young Thug | website=the Guardian | date=10 November 2023 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/nov/10/lyrics-introduced-evidence-in-trial-of-rapper-young-thug | access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref> The trial officially began on November 27, with the six defendants being Thug, fellow rappers Yak Gotti (born Deamonte Kendrick), Lil Rod (born Rodalius Ryan), Qua (born Marquavius Huey), SB (born Shannon Stillwell), and Quamarvious Nichols.<ref name=v560/> Thug's laywer, [[Brian Steel]], explained that the "Thug" in his name stood for "Truly Humbled Under God" in the courtroom the following day.<ref name="m626">{{cite web | last=Loh | first=Matthew | title=Young Thug's defense lawyer said his name stands for 'Truly Humble Under God' | website=Business Insider | date=29 November 2023 | url=https://www.businessinsider.com/young-thugs-name-stands-truly-humble-under-god-defense-lawyer-2023-11 | access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref><ref name="e112">{{cite web | last=Moorman | first=Taijuan | title=Young Thug's lawyer says name stands for 'Truly Humble Under God' | website=USA TODAY | date=29 November 2023 | url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2023/11/29/young-thugs-name-truly-humble-under-god/71738866007/ | access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref> On December 10, SB was stabbed in jail after another inmate entered his cell.<ref name="t372">{{cite web | last=Ginther | first=Mary Royse | title=Murder suspect identified as inmate accused of stabbing YSL co-defendant multiple times | website=WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta | date=11 December 2023 | url=https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/fulton-county/ysl-defendant-extremely-critical-condition-after-being-stabbed-jail-attorney-says/EXSXZQEJGFAYPOF73KSLWUZVTQ/ | access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref> The inmate claimed SB tried to attack him with a knife and that the stabbing was an act of [[self-defense]].<ref name="j748">{{cite web | last=Abusaid | first=Shaddi | title=Young Thug trial resumes after co-defendant’s jailhouse stabbing | website=ajc | date=2 January 2024 | url=https://www.ajc.com/news/crime/young-thug-trial-resumes-after-co-defendants-jailhouse-stabbing/IU7DXXSI7ZGBTLVH47PMVRXCZI/ | access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref>

On January 3, 2024, YSL co-defendant Trontavious Stephens identified himself, Thug, and Walter Murphy as the founders of the record label and claimed that it was only music-related and not a criminal street gang.<ref name="j946">{{cite web | last=Seiden | first=Michael | title=Co-founder says YSL is a music label, believes crimes he committed made YSL appear as a gang | website=WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta | date=4 January 2024 | url=https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/atlanta/co-founder-says-ysl-is-music-label-believes-crimes-he-committed-made-ysl-appear-gang/67L7UBU6QFBFPKKMPGUMCCOQKQ/ | access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref><ref name="v996">{{cite web | last=Darnell | first=Tim | title=Alleged YSL co-founder returns to testify in Young Thug’s trial | website=https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com | date=15 April 2024 | url=https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2024/04/15/live-alleged-ysl-co-founder-returns-testify-young-thugs/ | access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref> On February 16, YSL defense attorney Nicole Fegan, who represented former co-defendant Tenquarius Mender in the case, was arrested on charges of participating in criminal street gang activity and [[evidence tampering]].<ref name="w115">{{cite web | last=Dillon | first=Nancy | title=Wait, What? A YSL Defense Lawyer Was Just Arrested on Gang-Related Charges | website=Rolling Stone | date=16 February 2024 | url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/ysl-defense-lawyer-arrested-gang-charges-1234970282/ | access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref> Four days later, a recording of an anonymous woman calling the police played in the courtroom, where she identified Thug as the gunman in a shooting, saying "They came to my house and told me that the guy who shot somebody's name was Young Thug, whoever that's supposed to be".<ref name="o263">{{cite web | last=Price | first=Joe | title=Young Thug Accused Of 2013 Shooting In 911 Call Played During YSL RICO Trial | website=Complex | date=21 February 2024 | url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/backwoodsaltar/young-thug-accused-of-2013-shooting-in-911-call | access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref><ref name="d126">{{cite web | last=Cummings-Grady | first=Mackenzie | title=Young Thug Named as Alleged Gunman in 2013 Shooting During 911 Call Played in YSL Trial | website=XXL Mag | date=20 February 2024 | url=https://www.xxlmag.com/young-thug-named-gunman-ysl-trial/ | access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref>

On April 4, Steel filed a motion for lead prosecutor Adriane Love to be removed from the trial as he felt that she was essentially acting as an unsworn witness in order to coerce defendants into admitting to wrongdoing. Glanville denied the motion.<ref name="b747">{{cite web | last=Atlanta | first=FOX 5 | title=Young Thug trial: Judge denies request to remove lead prosecutor | publisher=FOX 5 Atlanta | date=5 April 2024 | url=https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/young-thug-trial-judge-denies-request-to-remove-lead-prosecutor | access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref><ref name="u442"/>

On June 10, Steel revealed in the courtroom that he found out that Glanville allegedly had a secret ''[[ex-parte]]'' meeting with the prosecution<ref name="z073">{{cite web | last=Lupiani | first=Joyce | title=Young Thug, YSL RICO Trial: June 10 ex parte meeting being discussed in court | publisher=FOX 5 Atlanta | date=5 August 2024 | url=https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/young-thug-ysl-rico-trial-jury-could-return-courtroom-week | access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref> and asked why he was not told about the meeting.<ref name="g483">{{cite web | last=Coscarelli | first=Joe | title=Young Thug Lawyer Clashes With Judge in Chaotic Gang Case | website=The New York Times | date=11 June 2024 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/11/arts/music/young-thug-brian-steel-trial.html | access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref> Steel refused to reveal his source of information, citing [[attorney–client privilege]].<ref name="p079">{{cite web | title=Young Thug lawyer arrested: Brian Steel held in contempt by Judge Ural Glanville during YSL RICO trial after secret meeting claims | website=ABC7 Chicago | date=11 June 2024 | url=https://abc7chicago.com/post/young-thug-lawyer-arrested-brian-steel-held-contempt/14933855/ | access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref> Glanville then had him taken into custody.<ref name="y253">{{cite web | last=Blistein | first=Jon | title=Young Thug's Lawyer Taken Into Custody on Contempt Charge | website=Rolling Stone Australia | date=11 June 2024 | url=https://au.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/young-thug-lawyer-brian-steel-held-contempt-custody-61440/ | access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref> Nearly an hour later, Steel was brought back into the court room and continued to refuse to answer.<ref name="t009">{{cite web | last=Jones | first=Dajhea | title=Young Thug's lawyer taken into custody, held in contempt | website=11Alive.com | date=10 June 2024 | url=https://www.11alive.com/article/news/crime/ysl-trial/young-thug-lawyer-brian-steel-taken-into-custody-held-in-contempt/85-47a2aceb-0eb7-467a-ae57-30ac94a3a635#:~:text=He%20was%20taken%20into%20custody,be%20placed%20back%20in%20custody. | access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref> Glanville then held him in [[contempt of court]].<ref name="q298">{{cite web | last=Brasch | first=Ben | last2=Scribner | first2=Herb | title=The chaos unfolding at Young Thug’s trial, explained | website=Washington Post | date=12 June 2024 | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/music/2024/06/12/young-thug-ysl-rico-trial-explained/ | access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref> Glanville sentenced Steel to 10 weekends in jail, starting on June 14 and ending on August 18.<ref name="y196">{{cite web | last=Rosario | first=Alexandra Del | title=Judge in Young Thug RICO case recused as YSL trial in Atlanta goes on hold indefinitely | website=Los Angeles Times | date=15 July 2024 | url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2024-07-15/ysl-trial-young-thug-judge-recused-ural-glanville-rico | access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref> Steel filed a motion to a higher court on the same day to appeal the ruling the same day, which was granted. The appeal was later approved.<ref name="u851">{{cite web | last=Segarra | first=Edward | title=Young Thug's lawyer Brian Steel wins jail time appeal after arrest | website=USA TODAY | date=10 June 2024 | url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2024/06/10/young-thug-lawyer-brian-steel-contempt-of-court/74049610007/ | access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref> He then filed another motion for Glanville to recuse himself for "acting unethical" and that he "morphed" into the prosecutor.<ref name="d436">{{cite web | last=Dillon | first=Nancy | title=Young Thug's Lawyers Blast 'Unethical' Judge, Say He 'Morphed' Into Prosecutor | website=Rolling Stone | date=9 July 2024 | url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/young-thug-ysl-brian-steel-judge-glanville-recusal-1235056154/ | access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref> Glanville denied the motion<ref name="r985">{{cite web | title=Judge denies motion to recuse himself in Young Thug trial | website=https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com | date=18 June 2024 | url=https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2024/06/18/watch-live-judge-hears-motions-young-thugysl-trial/ | access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref> and the trial was paused on July 1 until a higher court ruled on the recusal.<ref name="z328">{{cite web | last=Drenon | first=Brandon | title=Judge puts Young Thug trial indefinitely on hold | website=BBC Home | date=2 July 2024 | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crgmn3d0201o | access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref> Exactly two weeks later, Glanville was recused and the trial resumed under the direction of Judge Paige Reese Whitaker.<ref name="w587"/>


On January 3, 2024, YSL co-defendant Trontavious Stephens identified himself, Thug, and Walter Murphy as the founders of the record label and claimed that it was only music-related and not a criminal street gang. On February 16, YSL defense attorney Nicole Fegan, who represented former co-defendant Tenquarius Mender in the case, was arrested on charges of participating in criminal street gang activity and evidence tampering. Four days later, a recording of an anonymous woman calling the police played in the courtroom, in which she identified Thug as the gunman in a shooting as she said: "They came to my house and told me that the guy who shot somebody's name was Young Thug, whoever that's supposed to be". On April 4, Steel filed a motion for lead prosecutor Adriane Love to be removed from the trial as he felt that she was constantly claiming she was an unsworn witness in the case to coerce defendants into admitting to wrongdoing, which Glanville denied.<ref name="u442"/> On June 10, Steel revealed in the courtroom that he found out that Glanville allegedly had a secret [[ex parte]] meeting with the prosecution team and asked why he was not told about the meeting. Steel refused to reveal his source of information after Glanville asked him multiple times, to which Glanville then had him taken into custody for the moment. Steel then came back into the courtroom a few hours later and was asked the same question by Glanville, to which he denied to answer and Glanville held him in [[contempt of court]]. Glanville sentenced Steel to 20 days in jail only on the weekends, where he would be expected to turn himself in every Friday evening and leave every Sunday night. This would start on June 14 and end on August 18. However, Steel filed a motion to a higher court to appeal the ruling the same day and was granted, which got rid of his jail sentence. He then filed another motion for Glanville to recuse himself for allegedly showing bias. Glanville denied the motion and the trial was paused starting from July 1 until it was figured out if he would be recused or not. Exactly two weeks later, he was recused and the trial resumed under the direction of Judge Paige Reese Whitaker.<ref name="w587"/>
==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}

Revision as of 01:21, 27 August 2024

YSL RICO trial
CourtSuperior Court of Fulton County
Full case nameState of Georgia vs. Jeffery Williams et al.
StartedNovember 27, 2023
ChargeConspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act
Court membership
Judges sitting

The YSL RICO trial is an ongoing criminal case in Fulton County, Georgia, which involves American rapper Young Thug (born Jeffery Williams) and several associates from his record label, YSL Records (Young Stoner Life Records).[1][2] Following Thug's arrest in May 2022, he and 27 other individuals who are associated with YSL were charged under Georgia's Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO Act) in an indictment that same month.[3] The trial began in November 2023, in which prosecutors have since claimed that YSL functions as a criminal street gang while simultaneously operating as a hip hop music record label.[4] Fulton County Chief Judge Ural D. Glanville presided over the case until July 2024 when he was recused due to allegedly showing acts of bias, and was later replaced with Judge Paige Reese Whitaker.[5]

While numerous affiliates were removed from the case through plea deals,[6] Thug and four other co-defendants remain as defendants and have been denied bond numerous times,[7] with all of them facing multiple charges of racketeering, drug possession, and participation in criminal street gang activity, among other minor charges.[8] The case has been the longest criminal trial in Georgia's state history.[9][10]

Many fellow rappers, such as Travis Scott, Drake, Future, 21 Savage, Lil Baby, Lil Durk, and Kanye West, have shown support for Thug during the case.[11]

Timeline

On May 9, 2022, Thug was arrested in his hometown of Atlanta, Georgia at his house in Buckhead.[12] He was charged alongside 27 other individuals in a 56-count Georgia RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) Act indictment that was filed by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis.[13] Two days later, fellow rapper Gunna, who is a part of YSL, turned himself in to authorities.[14] Thug was later charged with additional gun-and-drug-related offenses after police raided his home.[15]

The case was presided by Fulton County Chief Judge Ural D. Glanville, who denied bond for everybody who was charged and scheduled the trial to begin on January 9, 2023.[16]

Gunna, on his June 14, 2022 birthday, wrote a letter to his fans from prison, where he asserted that he was innocent and complained about his loneliness.[17][3] On August 10, a new indictment was file where Thug received six more felony charges.[18] On October 13, Thug and Gunna were again denied release from jail ahead of the trial.[19] On December 14, Gunna was released from jail after he took an Alford plea, where he pleaded guilty to a single charge of racketeering.[20] As a result of the plea deal, he was sentenced to five years in prison and 500 hours of community service, in which the first year was commuted to time served and the remaining four years were suspended due to probation conditions.[20] Following his release, some fellow rappers and many people on social media felt that he "snitched" on Thug by taking the plea deal to get out of jail.[21][22][23]

On January 18, 2023, an alleged drug exchange took place in the courtroom between Thug and YSL co-defendant Kahlieff Adams, where Adams received new charges after deputies found him in possession of Percocet, marijuana, tobacco and other contraband.[24] Thug was briefly hospitalized in May 2023 as a result of him falling ill during a court hearing.[25] On June 16, Gunna released his fourth studio album, A Gift & a Curse, in which he mainly talks about the case as he maintains his innocence and denies the "snitching" allegations.[26][27] Exactly a week later, Thug's third studio album, Business Is Business, was released while he remains in jail.[28][29]

On November 9, Glanville ruled that song lyrics by defendants were allowed to be used as evidence.[30] He stated this is not an attack on free speech, saying that "they're not prosecuting your clients because of the songs they wrote"[31] and "they're using the songs to prove other things your clients may have been involved in".[32] The trial officially began on November 27, with the six defendants being Thug, fellow rappers Yak Gotti (born Deamonte Kendrick), Lil Rod (born Rodalius Ryan), Qua (born Marquavius Huey), SB (born Shannon Stillwell), and Quamarvious Nichols.[6] Thug's laywer, Brian Steel, explained that the "Thug" in his name stood for "Truly Humbled Under God" in the courtroom the following day.[33][34] On December 10, SB was stabbed in jail after another inmate entered his cell.[35] The inmate claimed SB tried to attack him with a knife and that the stabbing was an act of self-defense.[36]

On January 3, 2024, YSL co-defendant Trontavious Stephens identified himself, Thug, and Walter Murphy as the founders of the record label and claimed that it was only music-related and not a criminal street gang.[37][38] On February 16, YSL defense attorney Nicole Fegan, who represented former co-defendant Tenquarius Mender in the case, was arrested on charges of participating in criminal street gang activity and evidence tampering.[39] Four days later, a recording of an anonymous woman calling the police played in the courtroom, where she identified Thug as the gunman in a shooting, saying "They came to my house and told me that the guy who shot somebody's name was Young Thug, whoever that's supposed to be".[40][41]

On April 4, Steel filed a motion for lead prosecutor Adriane Love to be removed from the trial as he felt that she was essentially acting as an unsworn witness in order to coerce defendants into admitting to wrongdoing. Glanville denied the motion.[42][3]

On June 10, Steel revealed in the courtroom that he found out that Glanville allegedly had a secret ex-parte meeting with the prosecution[43] and asked why he was not told about the meeting.[44] Steel refused to reveal his source of information, citing attorney–client privilege.[45] Glanville then had him taken into custody.[46] Nearly an hour later, Steel was brought back into the court room and continued to refuse to answer.[47] Glanville then held him in contempt of court.[2] Glanville sentenced Steel to 10 weekends in jail, starting on June 14 and ending on August 18.[48] Steel filed a motion to a higher court on the same day to appeal the ruling the same day, which was granted. The appeal was later approved.[49] He then filed another motion for Glanville to recuse himself for "acting unethical" and that he "morphed" into the prosecutor.[50] Glanville denied the motion[51] and the trial was paused on July 1 until a higher court ruled on the recusal.[52] Exactly two weeks later, Glanville was recused and the trial resumed under the direction of Judge Paige Reese Whitaker.[9]

References

  1. ^ Coscarelli, Joe (December 12, 2023). "Young Thug's YSL RICO Trial: What to Know". The New York Times. Retrieved August 26, 2024.
  2. ^ a b Brasch, Ben; Scribner, Herb (June 12, 2024). "The chaos unfolding at Young Thug's trial, explained". Washington Post. Retrieved August 26, 2024. Cite error: The named reference "q298" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  3. ^ a b c Saponara, Michael (April 8, 2024). "A Timeline of Young Thug's YSL RICO Trial". Billboard. Retrieved August 26, 2024.
  4. ^ Rosario, Alexandra Del (November 27, 2023). "Young Thug's RICO trial has finally started. What you need to know". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved August 26, 2024.
  5. ^ Dillon, Nancy (19 July 2024). "Young Thug Trial 'Moving Forward' Under New Judge, Defense Wants Prosecutors 'Removed'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  6. ^ a b Lupiani, Joyce (30 June 2024). "YSL defendants in court: Several remaining defendants reject plea deals". FOX 5 Atlanta. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  7. ^ Dillon, Nancy (19 August 2022). "Young Thug Denied Bond For Third Time At Heated Hearing". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  8. ^ Burga, Solcyré (July 17, 2024). "Here's Where Young Thug's Trial Stands". Time. Retrieved August 26, 2024.
  9. ^ a b Dillon, Nancy (July 19, 2024). "Young Thug's YSL Racketeering Trial: What's Going On and Will It Ever End?". Rolling Stone. Retrieved August 26, 2024.
  10. ^ Coscarelli, Joe (August 12, 2024). "What Happens Now in Young Thug's YSL Trial?". The New York Times. Retrieved August 26, 2024.
  11. ^ Cummings-Grady, Mackenzie (9 May 2024). "24 Rappers Who Have Mentioned Young Thug Since His Arrest". XXL Mag. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  12. ^ Fausset, Richard (10 May 2022). "Young Thug, Atlanta Rap Star, Is Arrested on Gang-Related Charges". The New York Times. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  13. ^ Shifferaw, Byabel. "Young Thug and Gunna Arrested Amid 56-Count Indictment for 28 YSL Members Involving RICO Charges (Update)". Complex. Archived from the original on May 11, 2022. Retrieved August 26, 2024.
  14. ^ Henni, Janine. "Rapper Gunna Booked on Charge of Conspiracy to Violate RICO Act After Young Thug's Arrest". People. Archived from the original on June 14, 2022. Retrieved August 26, 2024.
  15. ^ "Rapper Young Thug slapped with additional gun, drug charges after arrest at Buckhead home". WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta. 12 May 2022. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  16. ^ Gunna Asserts His Innocence in First Public Statement Since RICO Act Indictment Archived October 5, 2022(Date mismatch), at the Wayback Machine
  17. ^ Garcia, Thania (14 June 2022). "Gunna Says He's Being 'Falsely Accused' in Open Letter From Jail". Variety. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  18. ^ Zaru, Deena (12 August 2022). "Rapper Young Thug hit with additional felony charges in RICO indictment". ABC News. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  19. ^ "Gunna Denied Release From Jail Once Again, Despite Protests From Lawyers". Billboard. October 13, 2022. Archived from the original on October 13, 2022. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  20. ^ a b D’Zurilla, Christie (15 December 2022). "Rapper Gunna out of jail after pleading guilty to racketeering conspiracy charge". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  21. ^ Brown, Preezy (16 April 2024). "Gunna Breaks Silence On Relationship With Young Thug And Snitching Allegations". VIBE.com. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  22. ^ Jones, Dajhea (22 August 2024). "Gunna and attorney speak out on YSL snitching allegations". 11Alive.com. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  23. ^ Papp, Jozsef; Abusaid, Shaddi. "Gunna and alleged gang co-founder negotiate guilty pleas in YSL RICO case". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. ISSN 1539-7459. Archived from the original on March 26, 2023. Retrieved August 26, 2024.
  24. ^ "Young Thug and Kahlieff Adams Accused of Drug Exchange in Court". NBC 6 South Florida. 20 January 2023. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  25. ^ Curto, Justin (11 May 2023). "Young Thug 'Feeling Fine' After Hospitalization". Vulture. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  26. ^ Blistein, Jon (16 June 2023). "Gunna Spurns Snitching Rumors on New Album 'A Gift and a Curse'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  27. ^ Cowen, Trace William (16 June 2023). "All The Gunna Lyrics Addressing Snitching, Young Thug, and YSL Case on 'A Gift & A Curse'". Complex. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  28. ^ Galindo, Thomas (23 June 2023). "Young Thug Appears to Address Gunna on New Album". American Songwriter. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  29. ^ Braboy, Mark P. (26 June 2023). "Young Thug's 'Business Is Business' Has the Feel of a Posthumous Album". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  30. ^ Zaru, Deena (9 November 2023). "Judge rules rap lyrics can 'conditionally' be used as evidence in Young Thug trial". ABC News. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  31. ^ Donahue, Bill (9 November 2023). "Judge Rules Young Thug's Lyrics Can Be Used In YSL RICO Case: 'The First Amendment Is Not On Trial'". Billboard. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  32. ^ Beaumont-Thomas, Ben (10 November 2023). "Lyrics to be introduced as evidence in trial of rapper Young Thug". the Guardian. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  33. ^ Loh, Matthew (29 November 2023). "Young Thug's defense lawyer said his name stands for 'Truly Humble Under God'". Business Insider. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  34. ^ Moorman, Taijuan (29 November 2023). "Young Thug's lawyer says name stands for 'Truly Humble Under God'". USA TODAY. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  35. ^ Ginther, Mary Royse (11 December 2023). "Murder suspect identified as inmate accused of stabbing YSL co-defendant multiple times". WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  36. ^ Abusaid, Shaddi (2 January 2024). "Young Thug trial resumes after co-defendant's jailhouse stabbing". ajc. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  37. ^ Seiden, Michael (4 January 2024). "Co-founder says YSL is a music label, believes crimes he committed made YSL appear as a gang". WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  38. ^ Darnell, Tim (15 April 2024). "Alleged YSL co-founder returns to testify in Young Thug's trial". https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com. Retrieved 27 August 2024. {{cite web}}: External link in |website= (help)
  39. ^ Dillon, Nancy (16 February 2024). "Wait, What? A YSL Defense Lawyer Was Just Arrested on Gang-Related Charges". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  40. ^ Price, Joe (21 February 2024). "Young Thug Accused Of 2013 Shooting In 911 Call Played During YSL RICO Trial". Complex. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  41. ^ Cummings-Grady, Mackenzie (20 February 2024). "Young Thug Named as Alleged Gunman in 2013 Shooting During 911 Call Played in YSL Trial". XXL Mag. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  42. ^ Atlanta, FOX 5 (5 April 2024). "Young Thug trial: Judge denies request to remove lead prosecutor". FOX 5 Atlanta. Retrieved 27 August 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  43. ^ Lupiani, Joyce (5 August 2024). "Young Thug, YSL RICO Trial: June 10 ex parte meeting being discussed in court". FOX 5 Atlanta. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  44. ^ Coscarelli, Joe (11 June 2024). "Young Thug Lawyer Clashes With Judge in Chaotic Gang Case". The New York Times. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  45. ^ "Young Thug lawyer arrested: Brian Steel held in contempt by Judge Ural Glanville during YSL RICO trial after secret meeting claims". ABC7 Chicago. 11 June 2024. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  46. ^ Blistein, Jon (11 June 2024). "Young Thug's Lawyer Taken Into Custody on Contempt Charge". Rolling Stone Australia. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  47. ^ Jones, Dajhea (10 June 2024). "Young Thug's lawyer taken into custody, held in contempt". 11Alive.com. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  48. ^ Rosario, Alexandra Del (15 July 2024). "Judge in Young Thug RICO case recused as YSL trial in Atlanta goes on hold indefinitely". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  49. ^ Segarra, Edward (10 June 2024). "Young Thug's lawyer Brian Steel wins jail time appeal after arrest". USA TODAY. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  50. ^ Dillon, Nancy (9 July 2024). "Young Thug's Lawyers Blast 'Unethical' Judge, Say He 'Morphed' Into Prosecutor". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  51. ^ "Judge denies motion to recuse himself in Young Thug trial". https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com. 18 June 2024. Retrieved 27 August 2024. {{cite web}}: External link in |website= (help)
  52. ^ Drenon, Brandon (2 July 2024). "Judge puts Young Thug trial indefinitely on hold". BBC Home. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
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