When Young Thug and 27 other individuals associated with YSL (including Gunna) were first arrested in May 2022, few would have thought it would take until December 2024 for the case to finally close. Even fewer would have predicted the soap opera drama we encountered along the way.
Thug faced an array of charges as part of the RICO case against him and his crew, including conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act and participation in criminal street gang activity, as well as various gun and drug offenses. He faced the prospect of spending the rest of his life in prison.
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While prosecutors accused YSL (Young Slime Life) of being a criminal street gang led by Young Thug and responsible for up to “80 percent” of violent crime in Atlanta, the “Lifestyle” rapper claimed that it was merely a record label.
Most of the defendants who were initially arrested accepted plea deals — the most controversial being Gunna, who was released from jail in December 2022 — leaving just six people to face a jury trial. One of those was, of course, Young Thug, who can now boast that he was at the center of the longest and costliest trial in Georgia state history.
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Thug’s legal ordeal ended on October 31 when he accepted a plea deal and was sentenced to time served. As part of his strict, 15-year probation, the rapper is banned from entering the Metro Atlanta area, promoting gang life in music and associating with any of his co-defendants, with the exception of Gunna and his brother Quantavious “Unfoonk” Grier.
On Tuesday (December 3), the trial as a whole finally came to an end after the jury reached a verdict on the fates of the two remaining defendants, Deamonte “Yak Gotti” Kendrick and Shannon “SB” Stillwell. Both men were also freed from jail, leaving yet more egg on the faces of Fulton County prosecutors.
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Below, HipHopDX looks at 10 of the wildest moments from the chaotic and controversial 13-month trial.
An Alleged Courtroom Drug DealWay back in January 2023, Young Thug and co-defendant Kahlieff Adams were accused of participating in a drug exchange right in the middle of the courtroom. The alleged exchange was caught by deputies and Adams was found with several narcotics on his possession, including Percocet and marijuana.
YSL Defendants Being Stabbed In JailCausing a lengthy delay in the trial was the December 2023 stabbing of co-defendant Shannon Stillwell while he was being held in jail. It is not thought that the stabbing had anything to do with the trial, but it was an early indicator of the drama to come.
Earlier this week, Yak Gotti was stabbed during an altercation with a fellow jail inmate while he awaited the jury’s verdict. He survived the attack and was acquitted of all charges, including a murder count for a 2015 killing.
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The Hashtag Mishap That Almost Caused A Mistrial“Free Qua” were the two words that finally pushed Young Thug towards freedom. It was a hashtag that the jury was never supposed to see as it related to co-defendant Marquavius Huey’s incarceration and another example of the prosecution being slack in their preparation. The blunder resulted in the defense calling for a mistrial and the prosecution coming to the plea bargaining table.
Judge Ural Glanville Being RecusedA controversial figure throughout the trial, Judge Ural Glanville’s downfall came when the defense found out about a meeting between the judge, the prosecution and a witness. He was later removed from overseeing the trial in July, much to the delight of Thugger and his team.
His replacement, Judge Shukura Ingram, quickly recused herself over a conflict of interest due to her former courthouse deputy’s romantic history with YSL defendant Christian Eppinger. Judge Paige Reese Whitaker presided over the remainder of the trial.
Young Thug’s Lawyer Being Charged With Contempt
Worth his weight in gold throughout the trial, Brian Steel was the ferocious and forensic attorney Young Thug needed as he fought the RICO charges. Steel’s advocacy frequently found him clashing with Judge Ural Glanville, most notably over a confidential meeting between the judge, prosecutors and a witness.
After Steel refused to tell Glanville how he found out about the meeting, the controversial judge charged the lawyer with contempt and sentenced him to 10 weekends in prison. The ruling was later overturned.
Lil Woody Firing His Lawyer While On The StandSupposedly the state’s key witness, Kenneth “Lil Woody” Copeland was supposed to help put Young Thug behind bars for much of the rest of his life. Instead, Woody caused prosecutors nothing but headaches, admitting to being a prolific liar and infamously firing his lawyer while he was in the witness box, much to the shock of the courtroom.
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Young Thug Catching A Vibe In CourtYoung Thug created more than a few viral moments during his time on trial. None more so than when the prosecution played “Halftime” as part of their case against him. Thugger appeared impressed with his own work on the song, demonstrating its unique flow to his much-amused attorney Brian Steel.
“I’m So High Right Now”These were the infamous words of state witness Adrian Bean while he was being cross-examined. The witness, who was wearing a mask, copped to being so heavily under the influence that he was going to fall asleep. Thankfully, after a bottle of water, he appeared to regain his senses.
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A Defense Attorney Contemplating Starting An OnlyFansAttorney Angela D’Williams, who is a government-appointed lawyer, claimed that she and her colleagues were not being paid enough for their work on the case. Her response to the financial shortfall? To threaten to start an OnlyFans account. It is not believed the lawyer actually followed through on her threat.
A Zoom Heckler Hijacking A Court HearingOne Young Thug fan took things that little bit further back in January. While watching a court hearing on Zoom, somebody interrupted the proceedings to yell, “Free Young Thug! Mistrial!” The moment caused a stir and did, in fact, threaten a mistrial but this was avoided.
Way back in January 2023, Young Thug and co-defendant Kahlieff Adams were accused of participating in a drug exchange right in the middle of the courtroom. The alleged exchange was caught by deputies and Adams was found with several narcotics on his possession, including Percocet and marijuana.
YSL Defendants Being Stabbed In JailCausing a lengthy delay in the trial was the December 2023 stabbing of co-defendant Shannon Stillwell while he was being held in jail. It is not thought that the stabbing had anything to do with the trial, but it was an early indicator of the drama to come.
Earlier this week, Yak Gotti was stabbed during an altercation with a fellow jail inmate while he awaited the jury’s verdict. He survived the attack and was acquitted of all charges, including a murder count for a 2015 killing.
ADAD LOADING...
The Hashtag Mishap That Almost Caused A Mistrial“Free Qua” were the two words that finally pushed Young Thug towards freedom. It was a hashtag that the jury was never supposed to see as it related to co-defendant Marquavius Huey’s incarceration and another example of the prosecution being slack in their preparation. The blunder resulted in the defense calling for a mistrial and the prosecution coming to the plea bargaining table.
Judge Ural Glanville Being RecusedA controversial figure throughout the trial, Judge Ural Glanville’s downfall came when the defense found out about a meeting between the judge, the prosecution and a witness. He was later removed from overseeing the trial in July, much to the delight of Thugger and his team.
His replacement, Judge Shukura Ingram, quickly recused herself over a conflict of interest due to her former courthouse deputy’s romantic history with YSL defendant Christian Eppinger. Judge Paige Reese Whitaker presided over the remainder of the trial.
Young Thug’s Lawyer Being Charged With Contempt
Worth his weight in gold throughout the trial, Brian Steel was the ferocious and forensic attorney Young Thug needed as he fought the RICO charges. Steel’s advocacy frequently found him clashing with Judge Ural Glanville, most notably over a confidential meeting between the judge, prosecutors and a witness.
After Steel refused to tell Glanville how he found out about the meeting, the controversial judge charged the lawyer with contempt and sentenced him to 10 weekends in prison. The ruling was later overturned.
Lil Woody Firing His Lawyer While On The StandSupposedly the state’s key witness, Kenneth “Lil Woody” Copeland was supposed to help put Young Thug behind bars for much of the rest of his life. Instead, Woody caused prosecutors nothing but headaches, admitting to being a prolific liar and infamously firing his lawyer while he was in the witness box, much to the shock of the courtroom.
ADAD LOADING...
Young Thug Catching A Vibe In CourtYoung Thug created more than a few viral moments during his time on trial. None more so than when the prosecution played “Halftime” as part of their case against him. Thugger appeared impressed with his own work on the song, demonstrating its unique flow to his much-amused attorney Brian Steel.
“I’m So High Right Now”These were the infamous words of state witness Adrian Bean while he was being cross-examined. The witness, who was wearing a mask, copped to being so heavily under the influence that he was going to fall asleep. Thankfully, after a bottle of water, he appeared to regain his senses.
ADAD LOADING...
A Defense Attorney Contemplating Starting An OnlyFansAttorney Angela D’Williams, who is a government-appointed lawyer, claimed that she and her colleagues were not being paid enough for their work on the case. Her response to the financial shortfall? To threaten to start an OnlyFans account. It is not believed the lawyer actually followed through on her threat.
A Zoom Heckler Hijacking A Court HearingOne Young Thug fan took things that little bit further back in January. While watching a court hearing on Zoom, somebody interrupted the proceedings to yell, “Free Young Thug! Mistrial!” The moment caused a stir and did, in fact, threaten a mistrial but this was avoided.
Causing a lengthy delay in the trial was the December 2023 stabbing of co-defendant Shannon Stillwell while he was being held in jail. It is not thought that the stabbing had anything to do with the trial, but it was an early indicator of the drama to come.
Earlier this week, Yak Gotti was stabbed during an altercation with a fellow jail inmate while he awaited the jury’s verdict. He survived the attack and was acquitted of all charges, including a murder count for a 2015 killing.
AD LOADING...
The Hashtag Mishap That Almost Caused A Mistrial“Free Qua” were the two words that finally pushed Young Thug towards freedom. It was a hashtag that the jury was never supposed to see as it related to co-defendant Marquavius Huey’s incarceration and another example of the prosecution being slack in their preparation. The blunder resulted in the defense calling for a mistrial and the prosecution coming to the plea bargaining table.
Judge Ural Glanville Being RecusedA controversial figure throughout the trial, Judge Ural Glanville’s downfall came when the defense found out about a meeting between the judge, the prosecution and a witness. He was later removed from overseeing the trial in July, much to the delight of Thugger and his team.
His replacement, Judge Shukura Ingram, quickly recused herself over a conflict of interest due to her former courthouse deputy’s romantic history with YSL defendant Christian Eppinger. Judge Paige Reese Whitaker presided over the remainder of the trial.
Young Thug’s Lawyer Being Charged With Contempt
Worth his weight in gold throughout the trial, Brian Steel was the ferocious and forensic attorney Young Thug needed as he fought the RICO charges. Steel’s advocacy frequently found him clashing with Judge Ural Glanville, most notably over a confidential meeting between the judge, prosecutors and a witness.
After Steel refused to tell Glanville how he found out about the meeting, the controversial judge charged the lawyer with contempt and sentenced him to 10 weekends in prison. The ruling was later overturned.
Lil Woody Firing His Lawyer While On The StandSupposedly the state’s key witness, Kenneth “Lil Woody” Copeland was supposed to help put Young Thug behind bars for much of the rest of his life. Instead, Woody caused prosecutors nothing but headaches, admitting to being a prolific liar and infamously firing his lawyer while he was in the witness box, much to the shock of the courtroom.
ADAD LOADING...
Young Thug Catching A Vibe In CourtYoung Thug created more than a few viral moments during his time on trial. None more so than when the prosecution played “Halftime” as part of their case against him. Thugger appeared impressed with his own work on the song, demonstrating its unique flow to his much-amused attorney Brian Steel.
“I’m So High Right Now”These were the infamous words of state witness Adrian Bean while he was being cross-examined. The witness, who was wearing a mask, copped to being so heavily under the influence that he was going to fall asleep. Thankfully, after a bottle of water, he appeared to regain his senses.
ADAD LOADING...
A Defense Attorney Contemplating Starting An OnlyFansAttorney Angela D’Williams, who is a government-appointed lawyer, claimed that she and her colleagues were not being paid enough for their work on the case. Her response to the financial shortfall? To threaten to start an OnlyFans account. It is not believed the lawyer actually followed through on her threat.
A Zoom Heckler Hijacking A Court HearingOne Young Thug fan took things that little bit further back in January. While watching a court hearing on Zoom, somebody interrupted the proceedings to yell, “Free Young Thug! Mistrial!” The moment caused a stir and did, in fact, threaten a mistrial but this was avoided.
“Free Qua” were the two words that finally pushed Young Thug towards freedom. It was a hashtag that the jury was never supposed to see as it related to co-defendant Marquavius Huey’s incarceration and another example of the prosecution being slack in their preparation. The blunder resulted in the defense calling for a mistrial and the prosecution coming to the plea bargaining table.
Judge Ural Glanville Being RecusedA controversial figure throughout the trial, Judge Ural Glanville’s downfall came when the defense found out about a meeting between the judge, the prosecution and a witness. He was later removed from overseeing the trial in July, much to the delight of Thugger and his team.
His replacement, Judge Shukura Ingram, quickly recused herself over a conflict of interest due to her former courthouse deputy’s romantic history with YSL defendant Christian Eppinger. Judge Paige Reese Whitaker presided over the remainder of the trial.
Young Thug’s Lawyer Being Charged With Contempt
Worth his weight in gold throughout the trial, Brian Steel was the ferocious and forensic attorney Young Thug needed as he fought the RICO charges. Steel’s advocacy frequently found him clashing with Judge Ural Glanville, most notably over a confidential meeting between the judge, prosecutors and a witness.
After Steel refused to tell Glanville how he found out about the meeting, the controversial judge charged the lawyer with contempt and sentenced him to 10 weekends in prison. The ruling was later overturned.
Lil Woody Firing His Lawyer While On The StandSupposedly the state’s key witness, Kenneth “Lil Woody” Copeland was supposed to help put Young Thug behind bars for much of the rest of his life. Instead, Woody caused prosecutors nothing but headaches, admitting to being a prolific liar and infamously firing his lawyer while he was in the witness box, much to the shock of the courtroom.
ADAD LOADING...
Young Thug Catching A Vibe In CourtYoung Thug created more than a few viral moments during his time on trial. None more so than when the prosecution played “Halftime” as part of their case against him. Thugger appeared impressed with his own work on the song, demonstrating its unique flow to his much-amused attorney Brian Steel.
“I’m So High Right Now”These were the infamous words of state witness Adrian Bean while he was being cross-examined. The witness, who was wearing a mask, copped to being so heavily under the influence that he was going to fall asleep. Thankfully, after a bottle of water, he appeared to regain his senses.
ADAD LOADING...
A Defense Attorney Contemplating Starting An OnlyFansAttorney Angela D’Williams, who is a government-appointed lawyer, claimed that she and her colleagues were not being paid enough for their work on the case. Her response to the financial shortfall? To threaten to start an OnlyFans account. It is not believed the lawyer actually followed through on her threat.
A Zoom Heckler Hijacking A Court HearingOne Young Thug fan took things that little bit further back in January. While watching a court hearing on Zoom, somebody interrupted the proceedings to yell, “Free Young Thug! Mistrial!” The moment caused a stir and did, in fact, threaten a mistrial but this was avoided.
A controversial figure throughout the trial, Judge Ural Glanville’s downfall came when the defense found out about a meeting between the judge, the prosecution and a witness. He was later removed from overseeing the trial in July, much to the delight of Thugger and his team.
His replacement, Judge Shukura Ingram, quickly recused herself over a conflict of interest due to her former courthouse deputy’s romantic history with YSL defendant Christian Eppinger. Judge Paige Reese Whitaker presided over the remainder of the trial.
Young Thug’s Lawyer Being Charged With Contempt
Worth his weight in gold throughout the trial, Brian Steel was the ferocious and forensic attorney Young Thug needed as he fought the RICO charges. Steel’s advocacy frequently found him clashing with Judge Ural Glanville, most notably over a confidential meeting between the judge, prosecutors and a witness.
After Steel refused to tell Glanville how he found out about the meeting, the controversial judge charged the lawyer with contempt and sentenced him to 10 weekends in prison. The ruling was later overturned.
Lil Woody Firing His Lawyer While On The StandSupposedly the state’s key witness, Kenneth “Lil Woody” Copeland was supposed to help put Young Thug behind bars for much of the rest of his life. Instead, Woody caused prosecutors nothing but headaches, admitting to being a prolific liar and infamously firing his lawyer while he was in the witness box, much to the shock of the courtroom.
ADAD LOADING...
Young Thug Catching A Vibe In CourtYoung Thug created more than a few viral moments during his time on trial. None more so than when the prosecution played “Halftime” as part of their case against him. Thugger appeared impressed with his own work on the song, demonstrating its unique flow to his much-amused attorney Brian Steel.
“I’m So High Right Now”These were the infamous words of state witness Adrian Bean while he was being cross-examined. The witness, who was wearing a mask, copped to being so heavily under the influence that he was going to fall asleep. Thankfully, after a bottle of water, he appeared to regain his senses.
ADAD LOADING...
A Defense Attorney Contemplating Starting An OnlyFansAttorney Angela D’Williams, who is a government-appointed lawyer, claimed that she and her colleagues were not being paid enough for their work on the case. Her response to the financial shortfall? To threaten to start an OnlyFans account. It is not believed the lawyer actually followed through on her threat.
A Zoom Heckler Hijacking A Court HearingOne Young Thug fan took things that little bit further back in January. While watching a court hearing on Zoom, somebody interrupted the proceedings to yell, “Free Young Thug! Mistrial!” The moment caused a stir and did, in fact, threaten a mistrial but this was avoided.
Supposedly the state’s key witness, Kenneth “Lil Woody” Copeland was supposed to help put Young Thug behind bars for much of the rest of his life. Instead, Woody caused prosecutors nothing but headaches, admitting to being a prolific liar and infamously firing his lawyer while he was in the witness box, much to the shock of the courtroom.
AD LOADING...
Young Thug Catching A Vibe In CourtYoung Thug created more than a few viral moments during his time on trial. None more so than when the prosecution played “Halftime” as part of their case against him. Thugger appeared impressed with his own work on the song, demonstrating its unique flow to his much-amused attorney Brian Steel.
“I’m So High Right Now”These were the infamous words of state witness Adrian Bean while he was being cross-examined. The witness, who was wearing a mask, copped to being so heavily under the influence that he was going to fall asleep. Thankfully, after a bottle of water, he appeared to regain his senses.
ADAD LOADING...
A Defense Attorney Contemplating Starting An OnlyFansAttorney Angela D’Williams, who is a government-appointed lawyer, claimed that she and her colleagues were not being paid enough for their work on the case. Her response to the financial shortfall? To threaten to start an OnlyFans account. It is not believed the lawyer actually followed through on her threat.
A Zoom Heckler Hijacking A Court HearingOne Young Thug fan took things that little bit further back in January. While watching a court hearing on Zoom, somebody interrupted the proceedings to yell, “Free Young Thug! Mistrial!” The moment caused a stir and did, in fact, threaten a mistrial but this was avoided.
Young Thug created more than a few viral moments during his time on trial. None more so than when the prosecution played “Halftime” as part of their case against him. Thugger appeared impressed with his own work on the song, demonstrating its unique flow to his much-amused attorney Brian Steel.
“I’m So High Right Now”These were the infamous words of state witness Adrian Bean while he was being cross-examined. The witness, who was wearing a mask, copped to being so heavily under the influence that he was going to fall asleep. Thankfully, after a bottle of water, he appeared to regain his senses.
ADAD LOADING...
A Defense Attorney Contemplating Starting An OnlyFansAttorney Angela D’Williams, who is a government-appointed lawyer, claimed that she and her colleagues were not being paid enough for their work on the case. Her response to the financial shortfall? To threaten to start an OnlyFans account. It is not believed the lawyer actually followed through on her threat.
A Zoom Heckler Hijacking A Court HearingOne Young Thug fan took things that little bit further back in January. While watching a court hearing on Zoom, somebody interrupted the proceedings to yell, “Free Young Thug! Mistrial!” The moment caused a stir and did, in fact, threaten a mistrial but this was avoided.
These were the infamous words of state witness Adrian Bean while he was being cross-examined. The witness, who was wearing a mask, copped to being so heavily under the influence that he was going to fall asleep. Thankfully, after a bottle of water, he appeared to regain his senses.
AD LOADING...
A Defense Attorney Contemplating Starting An OnlyFansAttorney Angela D’Williams, who is a government-appointed lawyer, claimed that she and her colleagues were not being paid enough for their work on the case. Her response to the financial shortfall? To threaten to start an OnlyFans account. It is not believed the lawyer actually followed through on her threat.
A Zoom Heckler Hijacking A Court HearingOne Young Thug fan took things that little bit further back in January. While watching a court hearing on Zoom, somebody interrupted the proceedings to yell, “Free Young Thug! Mistrial!” The moment caused a stir and did, in fact, threaten a mistrial but this was avoided.
Attorney Angela D’Williams, who is a government-appointed lawyer, claimed that she and her colleagues were not being paid enough for their work on the case. Her response to the financial shortfall? To threaten to start an OnlyFans account. It is not believed the lawyer actually followed through on her threat.
A Zoom Heckler Hijacking A Court HearingOne Young Thug fan took things that little bit further back in January. While watching a court hearing on Zoom, somebody interrupted the proceedings to yell, “Free Young Thug! Mistrial!” The moment caused a stir and did, in fact, threaten a mistrial but this was avoided.
One Young Thug fan took things that little bit further back in January. While watching a court hearing on Zoom, somebody interrupted the proceedings to yell, “Free Young Thug! Mistrial!” The moment caused a stir and did, in fact, threaten a mistrial but this was avoided.
