(The Post News)- The 33-year-old Jeffery Lamar “Young Thug” Williams has been released from the Fulton County jail in Atlanta on Thursday evening, October 31, after pleading guilty to several charges in the Young Slime Life (YSL) RICO case. The Grammy winner had been held for over 900 days following his arrest in May 2022 on racketeering and gang-related charges.
As specified in his plea agreement, Williams pleaded guilty to one gang charge, three drug charges, and two gun charges. He also affirmed a no-contest plea to leading a gang and violating Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. The judge reduced his sentence to the time he had already served, followed by 15 years on probation and 20 backloaded years in prison.
Williams’ attorney, Brain Steel, successfully requested that his client be permitted to connect and collaborate with fellow rapper Gunna, despite the fact that his plea agreement prohibits him from contacting his YSL crew. Steel stated that Willaims and Gunna often perform music together and have contractual obligations.
Williams’s probation terms are strict. He must accomplish 100 hours of community service, avoid association with the gang, and avoid staying in the Atlanta area for presentations. Additionally, traveling is only allowed for work purposes, and he cannot promote gang-related content, and Williams must return to Metro Atlanta for anti-gang/gun presentations or concerts four times a year.
Judge Paige Whitaker advised Williams to try to be more of a solution and less of a problem, and Williams expressed regret, acknowledging that his past actions were misguided and that he understands the importance of being responsible.
The YSL RICO case has raised concerns, with critics arguing that the persecution’s use of rap lyrics as evidence violates artistic freedom and unfairly targets the black-dominated genre. Many co-defendants have signed plea deals or had their cases separated, with jury selection taking about ten months.
Williams’s sentence totals 40 years, with the first five years reduced to time served. During his first seven and a half years on probation, he will continue to report actively. If he successfully accomplishes his probation, the remaining 20 backloaded years will be reduced to the time served. With Williams’ release, the remaining defendants, Shannon Stillwell and Deamonte Kendrick in the case, are expected to proceed with their trials.
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