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Young Thug Officially Denied Bond in RICO Case
Young Thug has been denied bond for the second time by Judge Ural D. Glanville during a hearing that lasted over several hours in Fulton County Court on Thursday, June 2.
According to New York Times music reporter, Joe Coscarelli, the hearing surrounded prosecutors wanting Thug’s lawyer, Brian Steele, to be removed from the case, citing conflicts of interest.
However, after going back and forth, the judge motioned for Steele to remain on the case.
Thug’s lawyer Brian Steel gave an emotional response to his potential removal: “I have been with Mr. Williams countless days, weeks, months and hours. I know his entire life. You want to talk about representation of a client? That is the bond of an attorney-client relationship.”
— Joe Coscarelli (@joecoscarelli) June 2, 2022
Steele then argued for Thug to be released on home confinement, with the promise of 24/7 law enforcement presence, police dog searches, complete video surveillance, drug testing and more.
300 Entertainment co-founder and music executive, Kevin Liles, took the stand on Thugger’s behalf, stating “I’m willing to back him personally and professionally.” Liles also agreed to cover any financial obligations that came with Thug being in home confinement.
Machine Gun Kelly also spoke on Thugger’s behalf, citing his community involvement.
twist: Machine Gun Kelly is among the people who provided videos to the court in favor of Young Thug’s bond, speaking to his role in the community
— Joe Coscarelli (@joecoscarelli) June 2, 2022
Despite these backings, prosecutors argued that Young Thug, born Jeffrey Williams, should remain in custody until trial, stating that he was not only at risk to flee, but would threaten witnesses. Prosecutors also stated that some of these witnesses were members of YSL who provided “proffers” that Young Thug was the leader of the organization.
Several YSL members took proffers against Young Thug including some that are indicted with him. pic.twitter.com/zjdTAMu9Sn
— muliani (@MulianiEnt) June 2, 2022
The Slime Language rapper was denied bond with his trial date scheduled for Jan. 9, 2023.
“There have been significant proffers about Mr. Willams being a danger to the community,” said Judge Ural D. Glanville. “In particular, the state’s proffer that they have spoken…taken proffers from other gang members and people who are in this particular indictment and not in this indictment that [Young Thug] is the leader of the gang, he is dangerous, and if he crosses them, he will kill them or their families.”
Young Thug denied bond. The proffers made by ex YSL members and even some indicted with him played a big part in the judge denying his bond. pic.twitter.com/nhwJXriHa8
— muliani (@MulianiEnt) June 2, 2022
Thug is being charged with conspiracy to violate the racketeer-influenced and corrupt organizations act (RICO) and participation in criminal street gang activity, while Gunna, born Sergio Giavanni Kitchens, is being charged with one count of conspiring to violate RICO.
Gunna has also been denied bond and his trial date is scheduled for Jan. 9, 2023.