All articles tagged with #rico trial
Defense lawyers in the Young Thug RICO trial have filed an emergency petition asking the Georgia Supreme Court to force Judge Ural Glanville to recuse himself, alleging judicial misconduct and coercion of a key witness during a secret meeting with prosecutors. The defense claims the judge's actions violated their client's right to a fair trial and are seeking an unbiased judge to decide on the recusal.
Young Thug's RICO trial took an unexpected turn as references to LeBron James and Serena Williams allegedly making gang gestures were brought up in court. The prosecution claims these gestures are signals between gang members, while Thug's defense argues they are part of hip hop culture. The trial also featured a reference to Serena Williams doing the Crip Walk at the 2012 Olympics and the playing of Thug's hit song "Lifestyle." The trial is set to resume on January 22.
The racketeering trial against alleged members of the Young Slime Life (YSL) gang, led by rapper Young Thug, has been delayed until January 2024 after one of the co-defendants, Shannon Stillwell, was stabbed in jail. Stillwell was hospitalized but is reportedly recovering. The trial was recessed due to a trial participant's ongoing medical issue. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has accused Young Thug of being the co-founder of a criminal street gang responsible for violent acts. Stillwell is among six defendants who have pleaded not guilty to all charges and are standing trial. Another inmate has been charged in connection with the stabbing.
Young Thug's lawyer, Brian Steel, gave his opening statements in the RICO trial, arguing that Thug's lyrics are artistic expressions and not criminal confessions. Steel explained that Thug's stage name is an acronym, standing for "Truly Humbled Under God," and that Thug's use of gang iconography is simply part of rap culture. He also disputed the prosecution's claim that Thug flashed a Blood gang sign, stating that it was a reference to his hit song "Pushin P." Steel emphasized that Thug is being unfairly targeted and that he doesn't even know many of his co-defendants.
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has proposed an August 5, 2024 trial date for Donald Trump's racketeering and election interference case, just three months before the 2024 presidential election. Trump's attorneys oppose the date, as it would clash with his re-election campaign. If the case goes to trial, it could stretch well past the election and potentially force Trump into a criminal courtroom during November 2024. Some co-defendants, including Sidney Powell and Jenna Ellis, have taken plea agreements and are cooperating with prosecutors.
In the Young Slime Life RICO trial, a judge has ruled that rap lyrics can be used as evidence under certain conditions. The judge conditionally admitted 17 sets of rap lyrics that prosecutors can use in the trial against Young Thug and his alleged associates, but they must lay a foundation to use them. Young Thug's attorney argued that the lyrics are art and protected by free speech, while prosecutors argued that they depict real crimes.