In May 2022, many Young Thug fans, including myself, were shocked to learn that the rapper was indicted under Georgia’s Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. Young Thug, also known as Jeffrey Williams, and 27 others associated with the Young Slime Life gang were taken into custody.
After a bond denial and a re-indictment, Williams spent over a year in jail until his trial.
While in jail, social media platforms were flooded with #FreeThug, which sparked my curiosity about Williams’ criminal activity.
Williams’ alleged crimes included “participation in criminal street gang activity,” “violation of the Georgia Controlled Substances Act,” “possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony,” “possession of a machine gun,” “street gang leader” and “conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influence and Corrupt Organization Act.”
Learning that Williams’ was an alleged gang leader was surprising and confusing. I don’t know how an artist would have the time to organize and lead a gang while also managing a music career.
This trial was extensive with comical moments, specifically when the courtroom listened to Williams’ song, “Lifestyle,” and when Williams’ lawyer argued that “Thug” stands for “Truly Humble Under God.”
In contrast, this criminal trial had many frustrating moments and setbacks, making it the longest trial in Georgia’s history. I am unfamiliar with analyzing criminal cases. However, Williams’ trial became increasingly complex as I read about it.
For instance, key prosecution witness Kenneth Copeland, also known as Lil Woody, was arrested due to his refusal to testify against Williams.
In addition to Copeland’s arrest, Williams’ lawyer, Brian Steel, was also arrested when he accused Judge Ural Glanville of holding secret meetings and refused to tell the judge how he obtained that information.
Judge Glanville was later recused from the case, and Judge Paige Reese Whitaker took over the trial.
Judge Whitaker and the defense eventually agreed to a non-negotiable plea deal.
I asked UC Berkeley pre-law student Lena Ramos her thoughts about the messy details of this case.
“The lawyer getting arrested was really insane, I just don’t know why he wouldn’t admit to how he found that information,” she said. “And the fact that it’s been going on for over seven months is crazy … it seems like a lack of professionalism.”
On Oct. 31, Williams was released from police custody after spending over two years in the Fulton County Jail.
I listen to Young Thug’s music and appreciate him as an artist, but the significance of his crimes should have resulted in at least some time in jail. I was shocked to hear he was only given probation after his gang involvement and crimes.
Without his public standing and the disorganization of the trial, Williams would have likely faced a harsher sentence.
In addition, fans were quick to forgive Williams’ crimes, as we do for many celebrities. Why do we as a society excuse the behavior of famous people?
Other artists, such as Fetty Wap and Gunna, have also been indicted for violating RICO, yet the public doesn’t hold any of these artists accountable. These rappers are contributing to the drug epidemic by distributing illegal substances and inciting violence in communities all over America.
We can no longer dismiss the illegal behavior of artists and celebrities because no one is above the law. We must take these cases seriously and educate ourselves about the criminal behaviors of the famous individuals we support.
