Young Thug probation terms: All you need to know as rapper is released from jail in Georgia RICO case

Jeffery Lamar Williams, aka Young Thug, was released from jail after he pleaded guilty in his YSL RICO case. On Thursday, October 31, 2024, the Atlanta rapper received a 40-year sentence from Fulton County Superior Court Judge Paige Reese Whitaker.

The 33-year-old pleaded guilty to six of his eight charges, including a charge of participating in a street gang, two gun charges, and three drug charges. He pleaded no contest to racketeering and gang leader-related charges.

His sentence included 5 years in prison (commuted to time served), 15 years probation, and a 20-year backloaded sentence, which will only be served if he violates his probation.

For the unversed, Young Thug and 27 others associated with his YSL (Young Stoner Life) record label were arrested in May 2022 for violating Georgia's RICO Act laws (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization). Per the 56-count indictment, YSL was a front for the criminal gang Young Slime Life.

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Young Thug entered a non-negotiated plea deal after the prosecution and defense could not agree on a sentence deal

Young Thug changed his plea after the prosecution and defense reached an impasse during the sentence negotiations. This meant the power to order the punishment turned over to the judge (or a non-negotiated plea where the defendant waives off their right to trial).

The state recommended a sentence of 45 years (which included 20 years in custody and the remaining on probation). Judge Whitaker chose to give a 40-year sentence.

According to the terms of his sentence, Williams is required to stay out of the metro Atlanta area for the first 10 years of his probation. This excluded going to weddings, funerals, or graduations. However, he is allowed to travel domestically and internationally for business purposes (as long as he abides by the terms of his probation).

Judge Whitaker also ordered the rapper to return to the city every quarter to make public anti-violence and anti-gang presentations to children.

She urged the rapper to use his influence for good and show the kids in the community that "there (were) ways out of poverty besides hooking up with the powerful guy at the end of the street selling drugs."

"I appreciate that you do realize how much of an impact you have on people. It’s past your neighborhood. It’s worldwide. And having come up from where you came up from — and living in and around that — you know that gangs are damaging to our community," she said, adding, "Even if you choose to continue to rap, you need to try to use your influence to let kids know that's not the way to go.

The presentations would count toward his 100 hours of community service term.

Additionally, Williams is barred from associating with suspected gang members, fellow defendants (excluding his brother Quantavious Grier and rapper Gunna, who is under a YSL contract), or communicating with his victims. He should avoid promoting or suggesting any affiliation to criminal activity, like using gang signs or saying street terms.

The rapper would also be subjected to random drug tests. He is also prohibited from possessing a gun.

Per an article by Variety, before his sentencing, Young Thug told the court:

"I am a smart guy, I am a good guy, and I really got a good heart. I found myself in a lot of stuff because I was just nice and cool, and I understand you can’t be that way when you reach a certain height because it could end bad."

Prosecutors previously offered the rapper a deal that would have allowed him to walk free immediately with 15 years probation. If completed, he would avoid jail time, but if he violated the terms, he potentially would be behind bars for 23 years. Young Thug turned down the deal.

Young Thug thanked Judge Whitaker for a "fair" trial, saying she was the "best thing" that had happened to him. He vowed to never be in a similar situation again.

Young Thug's plea deal comes as three of his co-defendants, Rodalius Ryan, Quamarvious Nichols, and Marquavius Huey, accepted plea deals. Co-defendants Deamonte Kendrick and Shannon Stillwell remain on trial.