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After more than two years since his initial arrest, Young Thug (Jeffery Williams) has been released on a 15 year probation. The charges against him stem from a RICO indictment alleging that Williams and over 20 affiliates of his label, YSL, conspired to use the organization as a front for gang-related activities in violation of Georgia's anti-racketeering laws.
After negotiations between the Fulton County prosecutors and Williams' legal team reportedly fell through on Thursday (October 31), Superior Judge Paige Reese Whitaker released Thug on probation after the rapper refused to take the prosecution's plea deal.
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"This was not what I wanted. I don't believe that it is just. But I believe under these circumstances it is justice for Jeffery Williams and he is delighted, as are we, and thankful" - Young Thug's attorney Brian Steel stated.
Young Thug instead chose a "non-negotiated guilty plea," meaning he waived his right to a jury trial, allowing the presiding judge full discretion over his sentencing.
Judge Whitaker accepted this plea, commuting a potential 5-year prison sentence to time served, with certain terms and restrictions. If Williams successfully completes his 15-year probation without any violations, he will avoid a possible 20-year prison term.
She also requested Williams to use his platform to be a good influence on those who look up to him, before issuing a warning stating:
"Good luck to you. And there better be no violations, but if there are any, you’re coming back to see me."
Breaking down Young Thug's "non-negotiated guilty plea" in Georgia RICO trial
After being arrested in May 2022 and serving more than two years in prison, Young Thug has been released from custody after he pleaded guilty to six out of eight charges against him and his record label YSL (Young Stoner Life).
With multiple presiding judge changes and also the possibility of a mistrial, after a witness read redacted information on the stand, several defendants from the case opted for plea deals earlier this week.
Marking the end of his association with Georgia's longest-running criminal trials, Young Thug entered a non-negotiated guilty plea to the following six charges against him:
- Participation in criminal street gang activity - guilty
- Violation of the Georgia Controlled Substances Act (x3) - guilty
- Possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony - guilty
- Possession of a machine gun - guilty
- Street gang leader - no contest
- Conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influence and Corrupt Organization Act (RICO) - no contest
A non-negotiated plea deal in this case found both, the state and the defense legal teams submitting their recommendations, with the prosecution asking for a much harsher sentence than what was provided by Judge Paige Reese Whitaker.
"I know you’re talented, and if you choose to continue to rap, you need to try to use your influence to let kids know that is not the way to go and that there are ways out of poverty besides hooking up with the powerful guy at the end of the street selling drugs" - Judge Whitaker stated.
The state's initial offer, which Thug turned down, implied he would walk free immediately on a 15-year probation along with a violation clause which would result in him facing 23 years in prison.
Their offer to Judge Whitaker reportedly comprised a 45-year sentence, broken down into 25 years served in prison and 20 years on probation. Before the sentencing Young Thug spoke for the first time in this trial, saying:
"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."
Judge Whitaker however sentenced the rapper to 40 years, with the first five years being commuted as time served, releasing Young Thug on a 15-year probation. This included a clause that could result in him facing 20 years behind bars as well as penalties for violations.
"I just hope that you find it in your heart to allow me to go home and be with my family and just do better as a person" - Young Thug stated.
Other associated terms and restrictions for Young Thug's release
Judge Whitaker also imposed several "special conditions" on Young Thug's release. He must avoid Atlanta's metro area during the first 10 years of probation with exceptions for weddings, funerals, or graduations.
However, he is required to return to Atlanta quarterly to deliver presentations and talks on "anti-gang and anti-gun violence" at schools and community organizations. This will count toward his annual community service requirement of 100 hours, ending in 2039.
"I promise you I won't be in this situation again. I'm sorry... you are truly the best thing that's happened to me because you've made everything fair for everybody involved on both sides." - Young Thug thanks Judge Whitaker.
Other terms of his release include submitting to randomized drug tests and no possession of firearms. The rapper is however allowed to travel domestically and internationally for work while serving his entire probation.
As part of his release, Young Thug must avoid promoting or suggesting an affiliation to any form of criminal activity, which includes using gang signs and street terminology.
Additionally, he cannot associate with known gang members, victims, or other defendants from the YSL RICO case. This does include exceptions for his brother Quantavious Grier, and rapper Gunna, who is contractually obligated to YSL.
While Young Thug is now released from the case, co-defendants Deamonte “Yak Gotti” Kendrick and Shannon Stillwel will continue to face trial and move toward an eventual verdict after refusing plea deals offered on Thursday.
Both individuals are charged with carrying out the hit on Donovan Thomas, who was murdered in 2015 in connection to him being a rival gang leader, which was brought up several times by the prosecution during proceedings.
