Among the many plea deals handed out to YSL codefendants during their ongoing RICO trial, Unfoonk’s was one of the most controversial. Moreover, Young Thug’s older brother faced a lot of backlash for his choice, despite him denying that he snitched. However, recent reports circulating online indicate that his journey in this case is unfortunately not over yet. Furthermore, authorities reportedly arrested Unfoonk for violating the terms of his plea agreement. Specifically, it seems like officials caught him possessing a gun and reentered him into the court.
Not only that, but this comes soon after speculations ran rampant concerning Young Thug’s relationships to those who took plea. For example, inarguably the biggest story surrounding these deals such as Unfoonk’s was that of Gunna, a close friend and collaborator of Young Thug’s in the rap mainstream. After Thugger apparently linked Gunna’s album in his Instagram bio and then deleted it, many thought the two were on good terms. Still, not much context emerged following that story, so whether it was a convoluted statement or mistake remains to be seen. Regardless, other developments in the case are sadly just as inflammatory and damaging.
Unfoonk, Young Thug’s Older Brother, Allegedly Arrested For Violating Bond Terms
On that note, the most recent story to break from the YSL trial revolves around growing concerns for Young Thug’s health. His attorney Brian Steel claimed that the rapper is not getting his proper nutrition in jail, relying on chocolate and chips to get by. Also, he believes that the Atlanta trap pioneer is not getting proper access to sunlight, exercise, and other important aspects of physical and mental health. As such, his fourth request for bond comes not out of sympathy, but out of necessity.
Meanwhile, a huge scuffle broke out late last month as a hearing took place, interrupting all proceedings that day. Afterwards, footage made the social media rounds of a YSL codefendant being stripped down to his underwear, where officials found weed sewn in. While the case doesn’t seem to be getting any easier for the cohort, hopefully gears can shift towards prioritizing their health and safety and not their harsh imprisonment. For the latest on Unfoonk, Young Thug, and the YSL RICO case, come back to HNHH.
The “Free Thugger” movement hasn’t slowed since the news about YSL’s RICO case involving Young Thug first materialized. We’re quickly approaching the anniversary of when Thug was arrested. The international superstar was filmed being taken into custody outside his lavish Georgia home last May. Then, it was reported that over two dozen others, including rapper Gunna, were arrested in connection with a massive RICO indictment.
According to prosecutors, Young Thug, real name Jeffery Williams, was the leader of YSL—a violent, menacing criminal organization. However, defense attorneys clapped back, insisting that YSL is no more than a record label. It has hosted acts, including Thugger, Gunna, Lil Keed, Lil Baby, and more. Several notable names in the industry have also lent their voices to support Thugger as he remains incarcerated. In December 2022, Gunna agreed to an Alford plea and was released. Since then, he has faced several accusations regarding cooperating with the authorities. Gunna and his legal team have denied them all.
Additionally, the public has had a front-row seat to the courtroom antics. Fans have taken to social media with demands that Young Thug be released, especially as news of his co-defendants’ plea deals trickle in. Although we have yet to approach opening statements, the jury selection has been a wild ride. The courtroom has been controversial—from passing pills to screaming defendants to lawyers saying, “That’s cap.” Here’s a look at some of the craziest moments from the YSL RICO case courtroom.
Potential Juror Ordered To Write 30-Page Essay
The jury selection has been an arduous task. It’s alleged that it could take months before a final jury is chosen, and the process has been detailed extensively. Early on, it was reported that hundreds of people were filtered through the courthouse, including Juror No. 64. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported the woman was ordered by the judge to pen a 30-page essay about the importance of jury duty. This came after she left the country on a business trip, which she claimed she does frequently. She reportedly told the court she wasn’t aware a summons was sent out. Some believe she got off easy because she could have been fined or served jail time.
Juror Sentenced To Jail For Filming
More recently, another potential found herself on the wrong side of the judge. According to several reports, Juror 1004 was caught repeatedly filming during the court’s proceedings. Although the hearings have been documented, those inside the courtroom cannot record in any way, shape, or form. After receiving a chastising from Chief Judge Urla Glanville, Juror 1004 was reportedly sentenced to three days in jail.
YSL Lil Rod & Attorney Arrested
There are still over a dozen co-defendants in this case, and while Young Thug has seemingly been on his best behavior, others have not. Several alleged members of the YSL street gang have disrupted proceedings, causing mayhem. Last week, it was reported that Rodalius Ryan, or Lil Rod, shocked the court when he began screaming. This isn’t the first time Ryan has had trouble with the authorities while in court, and once again, he was escorted out in handcuffs.
Two other codefendants, Christian Eppinger and Coradrius Dorsey, were said to have verbally defended Ryan. It was later reported by FOX 5 Atlanta that both Ryan and his attorney were arrested. The defendant was found to have marijuana sewn into his underwear. Deputies were triggered when they noticed the smell of cannabis coming from Ryan.
Things took a turn recently when attorney Anastasios Manettas was stopped just prior to entering the courtroom. Manettas represents Miles Farley, and according to the AJC, police arrested the lawyer after finding a bottle of prescription pills on his person. Additionally, Manettas attempted to keep his phone from being searched by tossing it at another attorney. Instead, it hit an officer. He was charged with disrupting court proceedings, possessing pills not in their original container, simple battery on a law enforcement officer, and obstruction.
Lil Rod’s Scuffle With Officers
NEW: “It was sewn into a secondary pair of underwear.” Per Sheriff, Rodalius Ryan, aka Lil Rod, had two packages of marijuana sewn into his underwear and that’s why he was handcuffed, removed from court yesterday. #YSLpic.twitter.com/DQyIByy4WS
In January, Rodalius Ryan was involved in an altercation while being transported to the courthouse by officers. His attorney, Angela D’Williams, would tell a local Atlanta news station that deputies punched Ryan in the head, causing him to fall on the ground. However, the deputies involved claimed that there was an ongoing problem with Ryan spitting inside the patrol car. He was allegedly told to stop and that he would have to clean up the mess.
Deputy Kandakai Morris claimed that Ryan refused, spit once again, and this time, it landed on the officer. Ryan was told to exit the vehicle, but he reportedly laid flat and stiffened his legs. The deputies reportedly grabbed Ryan by the legs and pulled him out of the vehicle. Yet, attorneys were angered and suggested the officer used excessive, unnecessary force.
Nurse Arrested For Allegedly Trying To Smuggle Drugs For Gunna
Prosecutors are saying a nurse attempted to smuggle cocaine and weed into jail for Gunna pic.twitter.com/97q6kYzF2z
— STRAPPED! | Hip-Hop/Rap News (@STRAPPEDUS) July 8, 2022
Months ago, reports emerged stating a woman was arrested concerning this case. News station WSBTV reported prosecutors claimed a nurse was found with “a bag full of marijuana and cocaine.” At the time, prosecutors told the judge that the contraband was intended for Gunna, who was still incarcerated. When deputies attempted to question the woman about the items, she was said to have attempted to flee.
Passing Weed In The Courtroom
Fans were perplexed just after the top of the year when it was suggested that drugs were being passed around in court. According to reports, Kahlieff Adams walked over to Young Thug’s table in the courtroom and handed him something. Despite there being cameras inside and deputies nearby, Adams completed the exchange. It didn’t take long for the courtroom to come to a standstill. Thugger’s lawyers insisted he had no idea this would occur. Later, Adams was reportedly found with percs, tobacco, and marijuana.
Young Thug has been through a lot over the last year. It was around this time in 2022 that Thugger and Gunna were arrested on RICO charges. However, Gunna has since been released, and Young Thug’s fate continues to be up in the air. Overall, there has been a concerted effort to get the legendary artist out of jail. Although, RICO cases are incredibly hard to beat. Moreover, he has sought bond on three separate occasions. Each time, the judge has said “no” as they believe he is a flight risk.
Over these past few weeks, the YSL Rico trial has continued to go on, and these have led to very long hours for the artist. Consequently, there are concerns that his health could be in jeopardy right now. His attorney, Brian Steel, is now asking for bond, for the fourth time in the past year. Although it is uncertain as to whether or not Young Thug will be freed amidst the trial, Steel is trying to put forth a compelling case. According to ABC News, he told the judge that he has “previously put forth compelling evidence, without doubt, that conditions can be imposed which permit bond to be set.”
Young Thug Remains On Trial
Rapper Young Thug performs at halftime during the Boston Celtics v Atlanta Hawks game at State Farm Arena on November 17, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
“Mr. Williams is not a risk to commit a crime and he’s not a risk to flee the jurisdiction and that’s what bond is about,” Steel told the outlet. With the long hours that Young Thug is being subjected to, he has been dealing with fatigue. Furthermore, there is a worry that he may not have all of his faculties as the trial goes on. This sleep deprivation argument could potentially be helpful for Thug’s case. However, it remains to be seen what the judge will decide here.
If there is one thing for sure, it’s that this trial has been filled with antics. Whether it is people screaming in court, or lawyers being arrested, there has been a lot on display. Let us know what you think of all this, in the comments below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news from the music world.
The YSL RICO trial is still working to put together a jury. Already though, the courtroom has seen endless odd behaviour from potential members, defendants, and now, even attorneys. On Thursday (April 20), the lawyer representing Miles Farley (aka Lil Miles or Slato), Anastasios Manettas, was arrested in court for carrying prescription drugs on his person. As Rolling Stone reports, while police were dragging their culprit off, he attempted to throw his phone to his colleague, Chadha Jimenez, to avoid having it searched by authorities.
Unfortunately for Manettas, he missed and instead hit an officer. As a result, another charge was added, this one for assaulting a member of the police. Speaking with The FADER on Friday (April 21) morning, Jimenez confirmed that his co-worker has since been released on bond. “He’s home now, which is good,” YSL’s legal representative told the outlet. “The charges were bullshit. At the end of the day, I predict that both charges will be dropped. He’s gonna have a nice little civil lawsuit against the Sheriff’s Department and those deputies that violated his rights.”
Attorney Anastasios Manettas Searched in Court
Jimenez’s update also noted that Manettas is “scheduled for a bond hearing today for his client.” He shared, “I’m hoping he gets a bond. Mr. Farley meets all the criteria. The Ayala factors, which are the factors that the court considers in whether or not someone should be out on bond.” Among the alleged YSL affiliates on trial, Lil Miles is a standout as he has no prior criminal record and is a college graduate.
However, unlike bigger names like Thugger and Gunna, Farley is facing murder charges. He previously refused a plea deal from the prosecution, granting him probation in exchange for admitting that Young Stoner Life is a criminal street gang. Several others involved in the case have already taken deals, while others, such as the So Much Fun rapper, have been denied bond three times now. Are you surprised by the antics unfolding during the YSL RICO trial? Let us know in the comments, and check back later for any updates on Young Thug and his co-defendants.
The beef between Atlanta-based crews YFN and YSL goes back almost a decade to 2015, when Donovan “Big Nut” Thomas was killed in a drive-by shooting. This rift has caused almost 50 untimely deaths and indictments handed down to to both Young Thug and YFN Lucci, with both sides behind bars during the infamous YSL RICO trial. Now, the beef has spilled over into prison.
Footage has surfaced online of an inmate who’s an alleged affiliate of YFN beating a YSL member while he was tied to a facility toilet. The victim’s mouth was covered and could be seen screaming in pain after every hit. At the end, it appears that the YFN member tried to peel off the YSL member’s crew tattoo with a razor. The entire incident was recorded by the assailant.
About two years ago, Chloe Bailey and estranged YSL member Gunna sparked dating rumors after sitting next to each other at a Hawks game, but confirmed that they were an item when she revealed that her song “For the Night,” featuring Latto, was about Gunna. Now, it’s being revealed that Chloe has spoken to the former YSL member since he copped an Alford Plea in YSL’s RICO case.
In a recent appearance on Big Boy’s Neighborhood, Bailey was asked if she spoke to Gunna since he was released from Fulton County Jail, to which she answered, “I always wish him the best. He’s always been a dear friend of mine so I want to make sure he’s okay.” Bailey went on to reveal that she has spoken to Gunna, but she added that they haven’t seen one another.
Boosie Badazz is on all of the podcasts. He is most notably seen on Vlad TV for what seems to be a residency. Turns out Boosie has a very good reason. Every time he is on a podcast, he pockets $40,000, and he says it is a way safer decision than hosting at the club.
Hopping on a live stream, Boosie revealed why he is so quick to be on a podcast.
“$30-40,000 to sit on a couch and talk? That’s way safer than that club with all them guns in that bitch,” Boosie said. “I’m in front of somebody who ain’t gon’ hurt me. I think y’all should be happy I’m doing podcasts. I’mma live long doing podcasts. Way less dangerous than doing podcasts.”
He added, “Would you rather do a show for 60 or podcast for 45? I made that decision the other day. I took the 45 over the 60.”
Boosie said taking the smaller bag also helps him in saving on expenses like flights and hotels.
Boosie says he rather make $45K doing podcast than $60K at the club do you agree? pic.twitter.com/v8bVONukDh
In one of his most recent podcast appearances, Boosie revealed he once was planning a joint album with T.I., but is now nixing that, blasting The King of the South over a past case.
In a 2020 episode of his expediTIously podcast, self-proclaimed King Of The South T.I. admitted to snitching on a dead family member in order to get out of an illegal gun case.
T.I.’s cousin, Toot, was killed before the two could go to trial for a gun case caught in the early 2000s near ATL’s Lenox Mall, but Tip says Toot’s beyond-the-grave blessing made it ok to use his cousin and production collaborator a posthumous scapegoat.
“We caught those gun cases, Toot died. My lawyer said, ‘Well, you know, I could make everything go away if it was Toot’s, it was Tremel’s,’” he said. “After he had passed, I had a talk with him. Toot said, ‘I’ll take all the charges you got! If you can walk away free and put it on me, goddamn right! ‘Cause I’ll be damned if they gon’ come and muthafucking extradite me from here!’”
Returning to his online residency on VLAD TV, Boosie reflected on the moment and aired him out.
“With the T.I. situation, if he did that – you a fucking rat too,” Boosie said. “I don’t spare no muthafuckin’ body. Because if you doing anything wrong, you doing anything criminal and you cooperate with law enforcement to get you out of trouble – that means you’re cooperating. That means you’re a rat.”
Boosie added, “When I saw that, I think, ‘T.I. fucking lying.’ I think he went up there and just got to fucking talking. You think something happen at 17, 18 years old. You gon’ hold that in all them damn time? All this damn time for 20 some years, you gon’ hold that in? And it finally came out?”
If the story from Tip is true or false, Boosie will live like it’s a fact. Canceling the album. “My real fans like, ‘Boosie you the last one left. You cannot put this album out.’ My uncle, OG call me … ‘N*gga that album ain’t coming out.’”
Although fans want the YSL RICO case to end, Young Thug is still waiting for it to begin officially. The rapper was arrested in May 2022, along with over two dozen others. Prosecutors suggested Thugger was the ring leader of a YSL gang, but his defense claims the collective is only a record label. At the moment, the jury selection portion of the trial is taking longer than expected. For months, potential jurors have been added and subtracted. It was recently announced it could take several more months before a final jury is decided upon.
Meanwhile, Thugger’s loved ones and fans continue to take to social media to share their support. The rapper’s sister, Dolly White, has also been vocal about Thug’s circumstance, and she offered an update after conversing with him. “I talked to My Twin Jeff,” White wrote on Instagram. “I told him I’m lonely out here without him. He said you supposed to be. I’ll be home in a min. I miss tf out of him. Cause Dez B*tches & N*ggaz gone come & gone go so WE KNO HOW TO DEAL WIT YALL!!!!
ATLANTA, GA – NOVEMBER 13: Gunna and Young Thug attend 2021 Revolt Summit at 787 Windsor on November 13, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia.(Photo by Prince Williams/FilmMagic)
Gunna’s release from jail is a hot topic in the YSL RICO case. The rapper copped to an Alford plea, making him the first defendant to be discharged. Several others have followed, but Gunna has faced allegations of cooperating with the authorities. He has remained relatively quiet as his peers use social media to praise or criticize him. As the debates dragged on, Gunna’s attorney returned with another denial of partnering with law enforcement.
“After reading [Jewel Wicker’s] outstanding, insightful article, I am obliged to say for the record one more time: Gunna has never been interviewed by or cooperated with law enforcement or prosecutors in the RICO case,” said Steve Sadow. “Nor have his attorneys proffered information on his behalf. What was said at his Alford plea hearing was solely to resolve his own case. It cannot be used by the prosecution against Young Thug or any defendant.”
Dolly White Once Called For The Public To Stop Talking About Snitching
In December 2022, Dolly White further suggested she was tired of seeing the “rat” and “snitch” talks. “Can y’all please stop saying that people ratted and people this-and-that?” White said. “It’s not making anybody better, it’s not making nothing good, bro. Nothing that’s going on is[…]helping my brother. So, can y’all please stop that? If y’all love Gunna, then y’all give him support. Like, what the f*ck y’all over there doing? Y’all tripping.”
Young Thug’s RICO trial will reportedly call 1,200 potential jurors for evaluation, according to legal documents obtained by AllHipHop. While authorities arrested Thug and the rest of the YSL codefendants almost a year ago, the trial still isn’t underway. Moreover, it’s been subject to a lengthy and delayed jury selection process, which is no closer to completion after hundreds of participants. Furthermore, this selection process could take several more months, which only means more time behind bars in this high-profile case.
Still, the documents read as such: “The Jury Clerk shall send a sufficient number of subpoenas to result in the appearance of an additional 1200 prospective trial jurors: 300 on February 24, 2023 at 9:30 a.m.; 300 on March 17, 2023 at 9:30 AM; 300 on April 28, 2023 at 9:30 a.m.; and 300 on May 19, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. The prospective jurors will watch a pre-recorded reading of the indictment for this case and hear preliminary jury instructions from Chief Judge Glanville on these respective dates.” In addition, prospective jurors will have to answer a questionnaire from the court under oath and participate in “potential hardships” examinations, which aim to identify factors such as mental or physical disability.
Young Thug Trial Evaluating 1,200 Jurors
More groups of jurors being brought in Feb. 24, March 17, April 28 and May 19. It will probably be months before the trial starts. #YSL#YoungThughttps://t.co/ggqo7E8clk
Meanwhile, Thugger’s list of witnesses includes accomplished music executives Lyor Cohen and Kevin Liles. While his trial seems no closer to completion than it was months ago, at least he has people on his side. In the months left in the jury selection process, perhaps they’ll take advantage of the extra time to really think about what will go down- and how they’ll go about it. Meanwhile, many on social media and beyond are concerned for a witness’s life after an interrogation video leaked. Afterwards, many called the witness a rat and threatened his safety.
“This is a murder that’s about to take place with some very hot people,” they said in the leak. “And [inaudible] the stuff that I know right now should be able to help me get out my situation.” While it’s unclear whether this report refers to Lil Woody, if it’s not, that was another case of alleged snitching that many threatened. “It puts people’s lives in danger,” Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis stated. “My worst fear is that it is used as an intimidating tactic and people might be hurt.” Also, she wants Judge Glanville to open an investigation into the leak, which many believe might’ve come from the defense. However, defense attorney Keith Adams denied such claims, and pushed back on the D.A. wanting to restrict court access to the video. Regardless, stick around on HNHH for the latest on Young Thug and the YSL RICO case.
The lengthy YSL Rico case has a new twist, with one of Young Thug’s co-defendants demanding a mistrial. Jayden Myrick, who faces charges of murder amongst others, is seeking a mistrial on the account of leaked videos. According to HipHopDX, Myrick’s attorney filed the motion on Tuesday (February 21st), on the violation of the defendant’s Sixth Amendment right to a fair and impartial jury. Allegedly, discovery materials circulated online despite a signed order that prohibited the sharing of such content.
Although the cited video was not specified, a 2021 interrogation of Kenneth “Lil Woody” Copeland has recently been revealed. In the three-and-a-half-hour footage, Lil Woody discusses information about Young Thung with investigators. “While said evidence may not directly implicate my client,” Myrick’s attorney wrote, “it along with all of the publicity and courtroom incidents since the start of this trial that have not been the result of any conduct of my client, Jayden Myrick, make it impossible for him to receive a fair trial, as well as a jury that is honestly and truly fair and impartial.”
The ongoing YSL Rico trial has yielded a dramatic trial, with several of the 14 defendants accepting plea deals. During the course of the case, additional charges and mishaps have emerged, the outlet reports. In one instance, Young Thug was allegedly handed a Percocet pill by co-defendant Kahlieff Adams. The exchange was caught on camera, resulting in Adams being tased. Additionally, other defendants have been causing trouble behind bars, with one stabbing another inmate, and another spitting on a deputy.
This high-publicity case has sparked other hip hop names to chime in, even inspiring Boosie Badazz to consider a movie. Although the trial commenced in January (despite a motion to delay), it’s expected to last for six to nine months. The defendants are all on trial for their relations to YSL Rico, a “criminal street gang” responsible for numerous violent crimes in Atlanta over the past eight years. Young Thug is accused as the leader of the gang. To keep up with this ongoing trial, be sure to check back on HNHH.
do you agree? 
