American rapper Young Thug pleaded guilty on Thursday in Atlanta to gang, drug, and firearm charges. His plea allows for his immediate release from jail, though he could face re-imprisonment if he violates the terms of his sentence.
The 33-year-old rapper, whose real name is Jeffery Williams, entered his plea without a deal with prosecutors, after negotiations failed, according to lead prosecutor Adriane Love. This left the sentencing decision entirely with Fulton County Superior Court Judge Paige Reese Whitaker.
Young Thug’s plea comes more than two years after his arrest and nearly a year after the trial began, according to AP. Jury selection alone took 10 months, and delays included the recusal of the original judge after issues raised by co-defendants.
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Thug pleaded guilty to one gang charge, three drug charges, and two gun charges. He also entered a no-contest plea to another gang charge and a racketeering conspiracy charge, meaning he does not dispute these charges but can be punished as though he pleaded guilty.
The judge sentenced him to 40 years, with five years commuted to time served, followed by 15 years of probation. If he completes probation without violations, another 20 years will be commuted. Violations, however, would result in serving those 20 years plus any additional penalties for probation violations.
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Young Thug must stay away from the metro Atlanta area for the first 10 years of probation, except for specific family events. He is also required to return to the area four times annually to make anti-gang and anti-gun violence presentations at schools or community centers, counting toward his required 100 hours of community service each year.
Additional probation terms include a ban on gang affiliation, interaction with victims or co-defendants (except his brother and rapper Gunna due to contractual obligations), promoting criminal activity, and displaying gang-related signs or language. He is permitted to travel nationally and internationally for work.
Prosecutors cited Young Thug’s lyrics as evidence of his guilt, though his attorney Brian Steel strongly contested this, calling it “offensive” and maintaining that the rapper was “falsely accused.” Steel urged his client to continue to trial, but Young Thug opted to end proceedings, citing his children and responsibilities.
Expressing remorse, Young Thug told the judge, “I’ve learned from my mistakes. I come from nothing and I’ve made something, and I didn’t take full advantage of it. I’m sorry.”
The judge acknowledged his influence on youth and encouraged him to use it to inspire positive change.
Young Thug, who founded the Young Stoner Life (YSL) record label, was accused in a large indictment of gang-related crimes alongside over two dozen others. While three co-defendants recently took plea deals, two remain undecided.
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