In a surprising turn of events, rapper Young Thug was let out of jail last Thursday night. Earlier that day, he changed his plea to guilty in a long-running trial in Georgia. This trial has been going on for almost two years, making it the longest criminal case in the state. Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffery Lamar Williams, avoided prison time but was given probation.
The judge, Paige Whitaker, asked Young Thug if he was okay with a sentencing deal that neither the prosecutors nor the defense agreed on. This meant she would decide his punishment. After a short break, Young Thug agreed to plead guilty to drug and gun charges. He also pleaded no contest to conspiracy and gang participation charges.
Judge Whitaker gave him a 40-year sentence, but he will only serve the time he has already spent in jail. He also has to follow 15 years of probation, which could turn into 20 years in jail if he doesn't follow the rules. The judge also added some restrictions, like not being able to travel in the Atlanta area and not being able to talk to gang members. He has to do community service, including speaking to groups and kids about the dangers of gang violence.
Before the sentencing, Young Thug told the court he takes responsibility for his crimes. He also said he realizes the impact he has on his south Atlanta neighborhood and wants to set a good example.
Young Thug has been in jail since May 2022. He and others were accused of leading a street gang called Young Slime Life (YSL). The gang was said to be involved in crimes like murder, armed robbery, drug dealing, and carjacking. The prosecutors used a law called RICO to say that Young Thug and his associates were part of a street gang connected to the national Bloods gang.
During the sentencing, the prosecutor, Adriane Love, talked about Young Thug's role in illegal activities, including allegations of murder. She also mentioned that his rap lyrics promote violence. Love wanted Young Thug to serve 45 years, with 25 years in prison and 20 on probation.
Young Thug's lawyer, Brian Steel, asked for house arrest instead of jail time. He said the prosecutors didn't understand the context of Young Thug's rap lyrics. Judge Whitaker said she understands that Young Thug comes from a community already dealing with violence. But she also said that if he continues to rap, he should use his influence to show kids that crime isn't the way out of poverty.
Three of Young Thug's co-defendants took plea deals before him. This came after the judge suggested she might call a mistrial. The trial is still going on for the last two co-defendants, Deamonte Kendrick and Shannon Stillwell.
Young Thug first found success with his 2014 song "Stoner. " He started his own music label, YSL Records, in 2016. He has had three number one albums on the Billboard chart and worked with famous artists like Travis Scott and Drake. He even won a Grammy in 2019 for co-writing Childish Gambino's song "This Is America. "
