Commencement of Opening Statements in Young Thug's RICO Trial
Grammy-winning rapper Young Thug faces trial for alleged leadership of a violent Atlanta street gang linked to the national Bloods Opening statements set to start, shedding light on this high-profile RICO case Stay tuned for the latest updates
The RICO trial of Grammy-winning rapper Young Thug, accused of leading a violent street gang in Atlanta affiliated with the national Bloods gang, is set to begin Monday morning with opening statements. Young Thug, also known as Jeffery Williams, is facing charges under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, along with more than two dozen other individuals. This is the same law that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis used to indict former President Donald Trump and 18 co-defendants in August for their alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election.
Revised
In December, several defendants, including rapper Gunna and Young Thug's older brother, accepted plea deals, while others were removed from the case due to various reasons, such as representation issues.
Six defendants, including Young Thug, are still awaiting trial.
Defense lawyer Brian Steel insists that Young Thug is not guilty of any charges, stating to CNN that he "did not commit any crime at all." The trial began on Monday morning, but was soon put on hold by Fulton County Superior Court Judge Ural Glanville due to the absence of one juror.
On November 1, 2023, Atlanta rapper Young Thug was pictured in court during the "Young Slime Life" gang trial in Atlanta on Tuesday, October 31, 2023. (Credit Image: © Arvin Temkar/The Atlanta Journal-Constitution via ZUMA Press Wire)
Arvin Temkar/The Atlanta Journal-Constitution/TNS/Zuma Press
5 things to know about Young Thug and the YSL RICO case
The upcoming trial will serve as a significant test of the state's expansive RICO law and the controversial decision by prosecutors to use rap lyrics as evidence, as well as a challenge to the reputation of rapper Young Thug ahead of his trial, which is set to take place before Trump's trial. Initially charged and arrested in May 2022, Young Thug is accused of conspiring to violate the RICO statute and participating in criminal street gang activity. Prosecutors allege that he is the co-founder of the criminal street gang, Young Slime Life, and is responsible for violent acts dating back a decade.
He faces serious accusations, including renting a car in 2015 that was later used in the murder of a rival gang member. Prosecutors claim that the fatal shooting was carried out by YSL gang members three days later.
In August 2022, prosecutors filed a reindictment against the artist, charging him with further counts related to gang activity, as well as drug and firearms violations. These additional charges were the result of a search warrant executed at the rapper's residence, where drugs and firearms were allegedly discovered, according to Steel, a source from CNN affiliate WXIA.
The 32-year-old rapper is known for pushing the boundaries of music and culture. He made headlines by wearing a big purple dress on the cover of his 2016 album, "Jeffery." His chart-topping tracks and collaborations with artists like Camila Cabello, Travis Scott, and Drake have solidified his status as one of the most innovative and influential hip-hop artists in the industry.
It took almost 10 months to select the jury, during which there was an alleged in-court drug transaction and an attorney's arrest at the courthouse. The trial is anticipated to span several months and may include celebrity witnesses such as rappers Lil Wayne and Killer Mike.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
