Atlanta rapper Young Thug has pleaded guilty to participating in criminal street gang activity, a surprise twist that could end the musician’s long-running trial, US media report.
The 33-year-old rapper, whose real name is Jeffery Lamar Williams, was arrested in May 2022 on racketeering and other charges stemming from his alleged leadership role within the Young Slime Life, or YSL, street gang.
Prosecutors had originally asked for up to 120 years in prison for Mr Williams before an agreement was reportedly reached, which still needs approval from a judge.
The case is believed to be the longest-running criminal trial in Georgia state history.
As part of the deal, Mr Williams also pleaded no contest to two additional criminal counts: leading a criminal street gang and conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (Rico) Act.Three of Mr Williams’s co-defendants in the case took plea deals earlier this week.
The star rapper’s deal – known as a non-negotiated plea – means that prosecutors and Mr William’s defence attorneys could not come to an agreement.
Ultimately, his punishment will be decided by Superior Court judge Paige Whitaker.
In 2022, Georgia prosecutors used the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (Rico) Act – famously used in mafia trials – against Mr Williams and 27 associates believed to have been involved in YSL.
While jury selection in the trial began in January 2023, it was not until November of that year that opening statements began.
By then, only six co-defendants remained, including Mr Williams.
In July this year, the trial was put on hold indefinitely after Mr Williams’s lawyers asked a previous judge to recuse himself over misconduct allegations.
The lawyers said Fulton County Superior Court Judge Ural Glanville held an “improper” meeting on 10 June when he met privately with prosecutors and a key witness.
They claimed Judge Glanville sought to pressure the witness into testifying and the lawyers pressed him to recuse himself, motions which the judge had denied.
Mr Williams’ lead attorney, Brian Steel, was also found in criminal contempt in June this year after refusing to reveal how he got to know about the meeting.
The trial also saw a number of unusual incidents, including the arrest of a Fulton County deputy for allegedly attempting to smuggle contraband to a defendant.In another instance, the court’s Zoom account was hacked into by someone who yelled “free Thug!”.
The remaining two defendants in the case, Shannon Stillwell and Deamonte Kendrick, reportedly plan to move ahead with trials.