American rapper Young Thug—born Jeffery Lamar Williams—has been in jail for more than a year now. Vice reported that authorities first arrested him on May 9, 2022, on suspicion of gang involvement and several other alleged offenses, including RICO charges. They also arrested rapper Gunna.
The sensational RICO trial, involving the rapper and five others, started on November 27 this year with opening arguments. However, the proceedings have hit pause until early next year after one of the defendants, Shannon Stillwell, 31, was stabbed in the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta.
Hulu’s Rap Trap: Hip Hop on Trial further delves into the sensationalized RICO case involving Young Thug and Gunna.
Young Thug RICO trial: When is it happening & is the rapper still in jail?
As mentioned above, CBS News reported that Young Thug’s sensational RICO trial started on November 27, 2023, but has now hit pause. The news came after a man housed in Fulton County Jail in Atlanta stabbed one of the co-defendants, Shannon Stillwell, during a fight. The proceedings are to resume early next year. Superior Court Chief Judge Ural Glanville informed jurors of the “medical issue” and recessed them for the holidays. He requested their return to court on January 2, 2024.
Prosecutors claim that Young Thug led a criminal and violent street-style gang called Young Slime Life or YSL. They alleged that YSL was responsible for killings, shootings, and carjackings, among other crimes, for nearly a decade. They also suggested that he used his successful music career and social media posts to promote the gang and establish its dominance.
The defense attorneys have claimed that police and prosecutors relied heavily on jailhouse informants. According to the defense, the informants had every reason to tell them what they wanted to hear. They also condemned the prosecution’s attempt to use rap lyrics as evidence of crimes. The defense believes that prosecutors are wrongly using their clients’ art and free expression against them.
According to USA Today, Young Thug is charged with violating Georgia’s anti-racketeering and gang laws, among other things. His indictment came last year after his arrest alongside the indictments of more than two dozen other people. There are 65 counts of felony charges in total, six of which apply to him, including racketeering, drug, and gun charges. Five others will also stand trial with him.
The Atlanta-based rapper currently remains incarcerated at the Fulton County Jail, as reported Atlanta News First.
