Atlanta rapper Young Thug has confessed to involvement in criminal street gang activity, a surprising development that could bring an end to the musician’s lengthy trial, according to US media reports. The 33-year-old rapper, whose real name is Jeffery Lamar Williams, was arrested in May 2022 on racketeering and other charges related to his alleged leadership role in the Young Slime Life, or YSL, street gang. Prosecutors initially sought up to 120 years in prison for Mr. Williams before reaching an agreement, which still requires approval from a judge. The case is believed to be the longest-running criminal trial in Georgia state history. As part of the deal, Mr. Williams also pleaded no contest to two additional criminal charges: leading a criminal street gang and conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (Rico) Act. Three of Mr. Williams’s co-defendants in the case accepted plea deals earlier this week. The star rapper’s deal – known as a non-negotiated plea – means that prosecutors and Mr. Williams’s defense attorneys could not reach an agreement. Ultimately, his punishment will be determined by Superior Court Judge Paige Whitaker. In 2022, Georgia prosecutors used the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (Rico) Act – famously used in mafia trials – against Mr. Williams and 27 associates believed to be involved in YSL. While jury selection in the trial began in January 2023, it was not until November of that year that opening statements began. By then, only six co-defendants remained, including Mr. Williams. In July this year, the trial was indefinitely postponed after Mr. Williams’s lawyers asked a previous judge to recuse himself over misconduct allegations. The lawyers claimed Fulton County Superior Court Judge Ural Glanville had an “improper” meeting on 10 June when he privately met with prosecutors and a key witness. They alleged that Judge Glanville attempted to pressure the witness to testify and the lawyers urged him to recuse himself, motions which the judge denied. Mr. Williams’ lead attorney, Brian Steel, was also found in criminal contempt in June this year after refusing to disclose how he learned about the meeting. The trial also saw several unusual incidents, including the arrest of a Fulton County deputy for allegedly trying to smuggle contraband to a defendant. In another incident, the court’s Zoom account was hacked by someone who shouted “free Thug!”. The remaining two defendants in the case, Shannon Stillwell and Deamonte Kendrick, reportedly intend to proceed with trials.
