The courtroom was buzzing with activity on Tuesday as the Young Thug/YSL trial resumed in Fulton County, Georgia, following a dramatic Monday session.
Jeffery Williams, better known as Young Thug, had his lead attorney Brian Steel found in contempt of court by Judge Ural Glanville. As a result, Steel faces up to 20 days in the Fulton County Jail, serving his time over the next 10 weekends.
Steel’s contempt charge stemmed from his refusal to disclose who tipped him off about a private conversation between the district attorney’s office and witness Kenneth Copeland. Despite repeated demands from Judge Glanville, Steel stood firm and did not reveal his source.
This refusal came after Steel’s motion for a mistrial, prompted by the undisclosed conversation. Several other defense attorneys also sought a mistrial, but all requests were denied by the judge.
The session kicked off with testimony from Kenneth “Lil Woody” Copeland, who had been arrested for contempt the previous Friday after invoking the Fifth Amendment. Even on his return, Copeland appeared hesitant, often giving vague answers and citing issues such as vision problems and feeling overheated.
The Charges Against Young Thug
Young Thug was indicted by a Fulton County grand jury in May 2022, with additional charges added in August. The charges include conspiring to violate Georgia’s RICO Act, participating in criminal street gang activity, and various drug and gun offenses.
Prosecutors claim Young Thug co-founded a violent street gang known as Young Slime Life (YSL) in 2012, with ties to the national Bloods gang. The indictment details numerous alleged acts committed between 2013 and 2022 to further the gang’s interests, including threats, violence, and drug distribution.
One specific allegation states Young Thug threatened to shoot a security guard in July 2015. Another claim involves him renting a car used in the murder of a rival gang member, Donovan “Nut” Thomas. The charges paint a picture of a sprawling criminal enterprise with Young Thug at its center.
Co-Defendants in the Trial
Alongside Young Thug, several other defendants are on trial, including Marquavius Huey, Deamonte Kendrick (aka Yak Gotti), Quamarvious Nichols, Rodalius Ryan, and Shannon Stillwell. Others, like Gunna (Sergio Kitchens), Young Thug’s brother Quantavious Grier (Unfoonk), Trontavious Stephens (Tick), and Antonio Sledge (Mounk Tounk), have already pleaded guilty to various charges.
Young Thug, a Grammy-winning artist and CEO of his record label Young Stoner Life (YSL), faces these serious accusations even as he continues to influence the music industry. Despite his success, prosecutors allege his YSL label also doubles as a violent street gang, involved in crimes to build its reputation and power.
As the trial progresses, the legal battles and testimonies continue to draw significant attention, highlighting the complex intersection of fame, music, and alleged criminal activity.
