US rapper Young Thug has been released from jail after pleading guilty to gang, drug, and gun charges.
The 33-year-old Grammy winner, whose real name is Jeffery Lamar Williams, spent over 900 days behind bars since his arrest on racketeering and gang-related charges.
Prosecutors had alleged in May 2022 that the rap label Young Thug founded was a front for an organized crime syndicate responsible for a significant percentage of violent crime in Atlanta.
Despite facing a potential 45-year sentence, Young Thug was sentenced to time served and 15 years of probation.
During his court appearance, Young Thug took full responsibility for his crimes and expressed remorse to everyone involved in the situation.
He described himself as a good person who got caught up in negative circumstances for being too trusting.
As part of his plea deal, Young Thug pleaded guilty to gang, drug, and gun charges, as well as violating the state’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (Rico) Act.
He was also ordered to complete 100 hours of community service, refrain from contact with gang members, and stay out of the metropolitan Atlanta area for the first 10 years of his probation period.
The lengthy trial, which was plagued with delays and courtroom disturbances, culminated in Young Thug’s release. The case against him and 27 associates at his rap label was controversial, with critics condemning prosecutors’ use of YSL rap lyrics as evidence of criminal activity.
While some of Young Thug’s co-defendants reached plea deals, others plan to proceed with their trials. The rapper’s release marks the end of a turbulent legal battle that involved multiple twists and turns, including allegations of judicial misconduct and courtroom disruptions.
