American rapper Jeffery Williams, better known as Young Thug, has been released from custody after pleading guilty to gang-related charges.
The Grammy winning artiste was sentenced to time served and 15 years of probation in what CNN described as a sweeping case that originally included dozens of witnesses.
Jail records show that he was released on the evening of his plea.
“Williams entered a non-negotiated guilty plea deal Thursday related to several charges, including firearm possession and participation in criminal street gang activity, while he pleaded no contest to racketeering and leading a criminal street gang. The case marked the longest in Georgia’s history.”
Young Thug was identified to be the leader of Young Stoner Life, the Atlanta based record label, which authorities believed to be a violent street gang that had a long history of committing a series of crimes including murder, robbery, theft, car-jackings, assaults, and more, per Billboard.
The rapper was arrested on RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) charges in May 2022 along with 27 others as part of a sprawling 56-count indictment.
His apprehension was described as “one that collectively turned the Hip-Hop world upside down.”
“Prosecutors alleged the rap label he founded was a front for an organised crime syndicate responsible for “75 to 80 per cent of violent crime” in Atlanta,” Capital Xtra reported.
“They [Prosecutors] had originally planned to recommend a sentence of 45 years, which included 25 in custody and 20 in probation… As part of the deal, the rapper has plead guilty to one gang charge, three drug charges and two gun charges.”
Fulton County Superior Court Judge Paige Reese Whitaker ordered Young Thug to stay away from the metropolitan Atlanta area for the first 10 years of his probation. He will only be allowed in the region for weddings, funerals and graduations and has to leave within 48 hours of those events ending.
CNN notes: “He is required to return to the area four times a year for each year of his probation to host an anti-gang and anti-gun presentation, the judge said. Williams must also perform 100 hours of community service during each of his probation years and is not allowed to knowingly have any contact with members or associates of any criminal street gang, according to Whitaker.”
Young Thug addressed the court in a 5-minute speech where he expressed regret for the actions that brought him legal trouble.
“I take full responsibility for my crimes, for my charges. To really everybody that has got something to do with this situation, I want to say sorry,” he said.
