FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — Young Thug has taken center stage in the longest trial in Georgia's history and Thursday, it appeared to be approaching an unfathomable conclusion.
Atlanta rapper Jeffery Williams is accused of being the kingpin of the gang Young Slime Life and using his record label YSL as a cover-up for criminal activity. In a sweeping, nearly 90-page indictment, the Fulton County District Attorney's Office accuses him of racketeering, making terroristic threats, theft, renting a car used in a murder and participating in a criminal street gang as one of its organizers while also listing a dwindling number of defendants. As of Thursday, Young Thug is one of three defendants remaining in the current RICO trial, where jury selection began in January 2023.
As of 5:30 p.m., Thursday, Young Thug was still in front of a judge as prosecutors and attorneys argue the terms of his plea deal, which is left for a judge to decide. Watch the video above to catch up with what's happening in court.
Here's what we know so far.
Did Young Thug take a plea deal?
Technically, no.
His legal team did not accept a deal with prosecutors. However, as the defense and the prosecution were at an impasse, Young Thug's team signaled that a non-negotiated plea was on the table.
A non-negotiated plea, also known as a blind plea or open plea, is when a defendant pleads guilty without a pre-arranged sentence with the prosecution. In this type of plea, the defendant gives up their right to a trial, and the judge has full discretion over the sentence.
The trial is now stalled as both sides argue what should be considered as the judge determines sentencing.
Young Thug's plea to charges:
The Atlanta rapper entered several pleas Thursday afternoon with attorney Brian Steele by his side in a Fulton County courtroom. For two charges he plead nolo, or no contest which is a legal plea where a defendant does not contest a charge but instead accepts the consequence.
NOLO - Conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influence and Corrupt Organization Act (RICO)
NOLO - Street gang leader
GUILTY - Participation in criminal street gang activity
GUILTY - Violation of the Georgia Controlled Substances Act
GUILTY - Violation of the Georgia Controlled Substances Act
GUILTY - Violation of the Georgia Controlled Substances Act
GUILTY - Possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony
GUILTY - Possession of a machine gun
What happens next in YSL RICO trial?
It's hard to say.
It's unlikely Young Thug will walk out a free man on Thursday, as the minimum sentence for his charges is at least five years. If he's expected to serve time, he'd be transferred to prison and likely have to serve probation after serving his time.
If a judge agrees to let him out on a lesser sentence, he'd at least have to return to the Cobb County jail for processing.
Is he getting released?
Yes, he is getting released. It's unclear when.
