6 months and counting, Young Thug’s takes over in Atlanta

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Young Thug’s criminal gang trial resumed Tuesday after just one day of testimony last week.

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, depending on how many witnesses the state plans to call.

In April, prosecutors narrowed their witness list to about 200 total witnesses; initially, there were about 700. Since then, about 40 witnesses have been called, and prosecutors are estimated to have more than 100 more to call. This is in addition to the number of witnesses the defense still plans to call.

Brian Steel, one of Young Thug’s attorneys, repeatedly requested that Williams be released on bail, which was denied by Fulton County Superior Court Judge Ural Glanville, who is overseeing the trial.

Steel has also requested a mistrial multiple times and even asked Glanville to recuse himself because Steel believes the judge is unfairly hindering his defense and is more favorable to prosecutors.

Over the past two months, Glanville has expressed frustration with the pace of the trial. He put pressure on defense attorneys and prosecutors to work together and come to court better prepared to move the case forward.

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.

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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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