Atlanta, Ga. – After facing delays over procedural motions, a juror’s living condition, and low defense attorney pay, the trial of rapper Young Thug is set to resume in Atlanta. Jeffery Williams, known as Young Thug, is facing eight criminal counts under a federal law enacted to combat organized crime. While Georgia has its own RICO law, the alleged criminal enterprises in the state do not need to have existed as long as the federal law requires.
In addition to the organized crime charges, Williams is also accused of possession of marijuana, codeine, cocaine, a firearm, and a machine gun. The trial, which began with opening statements on Monday, November 27, 2023, is expected to last at least six months. Prosecutors anticipate calling around 400 witnesses.
In a ruling made last November, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Ural Glanville decided that some of Young Thug’s lyrics would be conditionally admitted as evidence. Prosecutors argued that the rapper’s lyrics, referencing drugs and violence, were indicative of an “overt act in furtherance of a (gang) conspiracy.”
A total of 18 jurors, including six alternates, are serving in the trial. The panel is diverse, with 10 Black women, two white women, three Black men, and three white men among them. The seated jury consists of seven Black women, two Black men, two white women, and one white man.
For those interested in following the trial, Atlanta News First is providing gavel-to-gavel coverage through their live stream and YouTube channel. They are also broadcasting the proceedings on their website. The trial has garnered significant attention, and it will be interesting to see how the case unfolds in the coming months.
To watch the Young Thug trial, viewers can visit Atlanta News First’s website, YouTube channel, or access the livestreams through Roku, Fire TV, and AppleTV. The media outlet will also provide online updates and reports on the trial’s developments.
For the latest updates and information on Young Thug’s historic trial, audiences can download the Atlanta News First app. Stay tuned for the latest details on this high-profile case.