Atlanta rapper Young Thug has pleaded guilty to participating in street gang activity, a surprise move that could end the singer’s long-running criminal trial, US media reported.
The 33-year-old rapper, whose real name is Jeffery Lamar Williams, was arrested in May 2022 on fraud and other charges stemming from his alleged leadership in the Young Slime Life, or YSL, gang.
Prosecutors had originally asked for Mr Williams to serve 120 years in prison before a plea deal was reached, which still required a judge’s approval.
The case is believed to be the longest in Georgia state history.
As part of the deal, Mr. Williams also pleaded no contest to two other felony charges: leading a street gang and conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Organized Crime (Rico) Act.
Three of the defendants and Mr Williams in the case agreed to plead guilty earlier this week.
The rapper’s plea deal – known as non-negotiable – means prosecutors and Mr William’s lawyers have been unable to reach a deal.
Ultimately, his sentence will be decided by Superior Court Judge Paige Whitaker.
In 2022, prosecutors in Georgia used the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (Rico) Act – which was very popular in mafia trials – against Mr Williams and 27 associates believed to be involved in YSL.
While jury selection in the case began in January 2023, it wasn’t until November of that year that opening statements began.
At that time, only six defendants remained, including Mr Williams.
In July this year, the trial was suspended indefinitelyy after Mr Williams’ lawyers asked the former judge to recuse himself over allegations of misconduct.
Attorneys say Fulton County Superior Court Judge Ural Glanville had an “improper” meeting on June 10 when she met privately with prosecutors and a key witness.
They said Judge Glanville wanted to pressure the witness to testify and the lawyers pressured him to withdraw, which the judge refused.
Mr Williams’ lawyer, Brian Steel, was also found guilty in June this year after refusing to reveal how he knew about the meeting.
The case also saw several unusual incidents, including the arrest of a Fulton County deputy on suspicion of trying to smuggle contraband into the defendant.
In another incident, the Zoom court account was hacked by someone who shouted “free Thug!”.
The two remaining defendants in the case, Shannon Stillwell and Deamonte Kendrick, reportedly plan to proceed with the trial.
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