Two years after his arrest, Young Thug’s Atlanta gang trial resumes Thursday

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Two years to the day after his indictment, Young Thug’s historic trial in Atlanta resumes Thursday.

Jeffery Williams – real name of Young Thug – was charged on May 9, 2022; he is on trial in Fulton County in a massive RICO case involving himself and five other defendants. Young Thug himself faces eight counts under a federal law originally passed to combat organized crime. Georgia is one of 33 states with its own RICO law, but in the Peach State, the alleged criminal enterprises do not have to have existed as long as the federal law.

Defense attorneys have raised concerns that the trial could last for years because of the number of witnesses the state plans to call. Williams’ lawyers argue that the artist is not the alleged gang leader as prosecutors claim.

A total of 18 jurors were selected, including six alternates. Two jurors have already been excused; one had a medical emergency and the other left Fulton County.

On Wednesday, defense attorneys cross-examined Tyrone Dennis, a retired Atlanta police investigator who was on the stand in recent days.

Max Schardt, who represents Shannon Stillwell, asked the witness about his previous police reports. At one point, the judge excused the jury from telling Schardt that his questioning bordered on condescension.

“Your conduct cannot be inappropriate towards our witnesses, okay? » declared Judge Ural Glanville.

“I wasn’t addressing anything to the witness, I think he understands my question,” Schardt responded. He said he felt he was not allowed to ask questions because the State continued to object while he cross-examined Dennis.

Earlier in the day, the judge chastised defense attorneys for continued delays and for not reporting motions and objections sooner so they could be addressed before the jury and witnesses were called.

The jury selection process for Young Thug’s trial lasted longer than any other trial in Georgia history and was repeatedly marred by arrests, accusations and disruptions. The trial itself could last more than a year. Georgia’s longest jury selection and its longest trial both occurred during the 2014-2015 Atlanta Public Schools teacher scandal.

Opening statements began on November 27, 2023.

Defense attorneys for Williams and his other co-defendants claim that YSL (Young Slime Life or Young Stoner’s Life) is Young Thug’s label. Prosecutors are trying to show that YSL is a criminal street gang responsible for numerous crimes.

Williams is also charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute; possession of codeine with intent to distribute; possession of cocaine; possession of a firearm; and possession of a machine gun.

Prosecutors said they still plan to call about 150 witnesses.

Atlanta News First streams full coverage of Young Thug’s trial on his channel direct And Youtube channel.

How can I watch Young Thug’s trial?

Atlanta News First will cover the trial live on our ANF+ live broadcasts, which you can watch on our website, on Youtube or on Roku, Fire TV and AppleTV. We will also report on events online.

Young Thug Essay: Listen Wherever You Get Your Podcasts

Download our Atlanta News First app for the latest details on Young Thug’s historic trial.

Copyright 2023 WANF. All rights reserved.