Young Thug’s RICO trial resumes in Atlanta

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Testimony in Young Thug’s trial will resume Friday at 1 p.m.

On Memorial Day, the trial officially passed six months since testimony began.

Jeffery Williams – aka Young Thug – was arrested on May 9, 2022, along with 27 other alleged gang members in Buckhead as part of a 56-count indictment.

Two years later, Young Thug is still on trial in an Atlanta courtroom. Jury selection for the trial lasted longer than any other trial in Georgia history, and the testimony itself will likely exceed state records. Both records were set by the Atlanta Public Schools teachers scandal and trial in 2014-2015.

The trial — which was repeatedly marred by arrests, charges and disruptions — began Nov. 27, with an opening statement from Assistant Fulton County Prosecutor Adriane Love. Defense attorneys have repeatedly expressed concerns that the trial could last for years, due to the number of witnesses the state plans to call.

Prosecutors are trying to show that YSL, or Young Slime Life, is a criminal street gang responsible for numerous crimes. Defense attorneys say YSL is not a gang but simply the name of a label, Young Stoner Life.

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.

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.

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.

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 is covering 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.

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