Why was Young Thug in prison? – Reactions as the US rapper was released from prison after pleading guilty to gang charges

US rapper Young Thug was released from prison on Thursday night after pleading guilty to gang, drug and weapons charges, in a dramatic turnaround that ended the longest criminal trial in Georgia history.

The 33-year-old Grammy winner, born Jeffery Lamar Williams, has spent more than 900 days behind bars since his arrest on racketeering and gang charges.

In May 2022, prosecutors allege that the rap label was responsible for an organized crime syndicate responsible for “75 to 80% of violent crime” in Atlanta.

E bin Dey was sentenced Thursday to time served and 15 years of probation, and prison records show his release is scheduled for later that night.

“I take full responsibility for my crimes, for my allegations,” Mr. Williams told the court.

“To truly say that we have something to do with this situation, I would like to apologize.”

In a five-minute speech, I describe myself as “a good guy with a good heart” and find myself “in a lot of ways because I'm just nice or cool.”

“And I understand that when you get to a certain size, you're not as fit anymore because your fitness goes bad… and the fit falls on you.”

Prosecutors plan to recommend a prison sentence of 45 years, including 25 in custody and 20 on probation.

But plea negotiations were unsuccessful, and Supreme Court Justice Paige Whitaker opted for a sentence instead, commuting the sentence to time not already served, paving the way for my release.

“I want you to try to focus more on the solution and less on the problem,” Judge Whitaker says.

As part of the deal, Mr. Williams pleaded guilty to one gang-related charge, three drug charges and two firearms charges.

I am also entering a no-contest plea to gang leadership and violating the state Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (Rico) Act, which means I choose not to contest these charges and accept punishment for them.

Judge Whitaker also mandates 100 hours of community service, a no-contact order with gang members or former co-defendants, and a ban on remaining in the Atlanta metropolitan area for the first 10 years of the 15-year probation period except under special circumstances – which include weddings, funerals and anti-gang – and anti-gun presentations. I have to host four times a year.

Thursday's change of plea ends a multi-defendant case that has seen multiple delays, courtroom unrest and mistrial motions.

Prosecutors accuse the Atlanta rapper of co-founding a violent street gang in his hometown and accuse him of extortion.

When a man known to fans as “Thugger” was arrested for May 2022, Georgia prosecutors used the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (Rico) Act – which they are known to use for Mafia prosecutions – to Rapper and 27 employees charged with defrauding rap label – Young Stoner Life (YSL) Records – with conspiring to violate the Rico Act, which they are known to use for mafia prosecutions

Mr. Williams is also charged with gang, drug and gun crimes and is on trial along with five other people against whom he is also charged.

They argue that YSL actually stands for a criminal gang called Young Slime Life, which blames men – including fellow rap superstar Gunna – for several crimes, including murder, armed robbery and carjacking on the streets of Atlanta.

But the indictment raised eyebrows over prosecutors' use of YSL rap lyrics as evidence of Di Gang actions and criminal intent. Critics argue that these charges violate rappers' free speech and are part of a growing attack on a black-dominated art form.

Several of Mr. Williams' co-defendants are taking plea deals or having their cases dismissed, and one even had charges dropped after an unrelated murder conviction – and by the time the trial begins, only six defendants remain .

Jury selection begins in January 2023 and lasts almost 10 months.

Lawyers say Fulton County Superior Court Judge Ural Glanville held an “inappropriate” meeting on June 10 in which I met privately with prosecutors and a key witness.

They claim Judge Glanville tried to pressure the witness to testify and the lawyers are pushing to recuse themselves, requests the judge does not deny.

According to it, Brian Steel, Mr. Williams' lead attorney, was held in contempt of court in June this year after he refused to reveal how he found out about the meeting.

Several unusual incidents were also recorded in the lawsuit, including the arrest of a Fulton County deputy for allegedly attempting to smuggle contraband to a defendant.

For example, the court's Zoom account was hacked by a supporter of Mr. Williams shouting “Free Thug!”

Earlier this week, three of Mr. Williams' co-defendants in the case entered plea agreements.

The remaining two defendants in the case, Shannon Stillwell and Deamonte Kendrick, reportedly plan to continue with trials.