Fulton County, Georgia: The trial against Young Thug (Jeffery Williams), facing RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) and gang-related charges, resumed on Tuesday after a dramatic day in court on Monday.
Main Lawyer Sentenced to Jail:
• Young Thug’s lead attorney, Brian Steel, was found in contempt of court and sentenced to 20 days in jail.
• Steel was held in contempt for refusing to reveal who informed him about an off-the-record conversation between the judge and the prosecution.
• Several other attorneys also filed motions to dismiss the trial, but all were denied by the judge.
Young Thug’s lawyer, Brian Steele, might just be the best criminal defense attorney in the country.
— Free (@KaladinFree) June 10, 2024
He just confronted the judge for witness coercion. If he’s correct – this ends with Young Thug going free.
He was just held in contempt and arrested for refusing to give up the… pic.twitter.com/rQHLjgSema
Witness Testimonies:
• Kenneth “Lil Woody” Copeland, who was arrested for contempt on Friday for invoking the Fifth Amendment and refusing to testify, gave reluctant and vague answers when he returned to the stand on Monday.
• Copeland claimed vision problems and refused to identify anyone in court, also complaining about the heat.
Charges Against Young Thug:
• In May 2022, a Fulton County grand jury indicted Young Thug, with additional charges added in August.
• The second indictment accused Young Thug and 27 others of conspiring to violate Georgia’s RICO Act and participating in criminal street gang activities, including drug and gun charges.
• Prosecutors allege that Young Thug co-founded a violent street gang called Young Slime Life (YSL) in 2012, which is associated with the national Bloods gang.
• The indictment includes 191 acts allegedly committed between 2013 and 2022 to further the gang’s interests. These include threatening to shoot a security guard in 2015, renting a car used in a gang-related murder, and possessing illegal drugs with intent to distribute.
Other Defendants:
• Other defendants still facing trial include Marquavius Huey, Deamonte Kendrick (known as Yak Gotti), Quamarvious Nichols, Rodalius Ryan, and Shannon Stillwell.
• Defendants who have already pleaded guilty include Gunna (Sergio Kitchens), Young Thug’s older brother Quantavious Grier (Unfoonk), Trontavious Stephens (Tick), and Antonio Sledge (Mounk Tounk).
Ongoing Trial:
- The trial is expected to last for 10 weeks. The outcomes will depend on the witness testimonies and evidence presented against Young Thug and the other defendants.