ysl rico trial Archives - Page 5 of 9

Young Thug Trial: New Judge Denies His Latest Attempt At Bond

July 30, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Young Thug’s latest motion to get bond has been denied by the YSL RICO trial’s new judge, Paige Reese Whitaker. His attorneys outlined the reasons he should have the opportunity in a motion they presented, last week. Responding to the motion, Whitaker said in court: “I am not going to reconsider any bond issues that have already been ruled on absent legitimate changed circumstances,” as caught by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

In response, Thug’s lawyer, Brian Steele, claimed that the conditions the rapper is facing behind bars warrant his bond. “Those are not the kinds of changed circumstances that speak to the Ayala factors. So I’m not going to reconsider the bond,” Whitaker argued back. In the original motion, Thug’s legal team put forth several arguments as to why he should get out on bond. They included the fact that he’s not a flight risk and is also innocent until proven guilty.

Young Thug’s Attorney’s Arrive At Fulton County Courthouse

Brian Steel, attorney for rapper Young Thug, right, arrives at the Fulton. County Courthouse on November 27, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. Opening statements will begin in the case against 31-year-old US rapper Young. Thug and 28 others, who are facing a racketeering indictment accusing the defendants of a number of offenses that support an overarching conspiracy charge, including murder, assault, carjacking, drug dealing, and theft. (Photo by Christian MONTERROSA / AFP) (Photo by CHRISTIAN MONTERROSA/AFP via Getty Images)

“In the Great State of Georgia, unlike other States, for purposes of pretrial bond analysis, the presumption of innocence remains with the person accused of an offense, even a capital offense, from arrest and even during trial…” the motion read. “That means, prior to and during trial, Courts view the criminally accused to be innocent of the charges waged against him/her. It has been written that the most fundamental premise of our criminal justice system is that the criminally accused cannot be punished for an offense until the prosecution proves guilt beyond a reasonable doubt… Thus, the granting of a reasonable pretrial bond must be preserved. Otherwise, the presumption of innocence, secured only after centuries of struggle, would lose its meaning.”

Whitaker took over the case after the recusal of Judge Ural Glanville last month. Be on the lookout for further updates on Young Thug on HotNewHipHop.

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Young Thug Attempts To Get Bond From New Judge In YSL RICO Case

July 24, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Young Thug and his attorney, Brian Steele, have filed another motion attempting to get bond as the YSL RICO trial has received a new judge, Paige Reese Whitaker. They argue Thug has strong ties to the community and isn’t a flight risk. Additionally, they say he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

“In the Great State of Georgia, unlike other States, for purposes of pretrial bond analysis, the presumption of innocence remains with the person accused of an offense, even a capital offense, from arrest and even during trial…” the motion reads. “That means, prior to and during trial, Courts view the criminally accused to be innocent of the charges waged against him/her. It has been written that the most fundamental premise of our criminal justice system is that the criminally accused cannot be punished for an offense until the prosecution proves guilt beyond a reasonable doubt… Thus, the granting of a reasonable pretrial bond must be preserved. Otherwise, the presumption of innocence, secured only after centuries of struggle, would lose its meaning.”

Young Thug’s Legal Team Arrives At The Courthouse

Whitaker took over as the presiding judge in the case after Ural Glanville’s recusal, earlier this month. “I would like for us to maintain a degree of decorum and dignity and professionalism that is what is expected of all of us as members of the bar,” Whitaker said. “I’m here to give everybody a fair trial, a fair shake, and follow the law.” To that end, she’s banned headphones and eating in the courtroom.

Whitaker is currently catching up on pending motions and all that she’s missed since the trial began. In turn, the jury will not return until August 5. Be on the lookout for further updates on Young Thug and the ongoing YSL RICO trial on HotNewHipHop.

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Young Thug & YSL’s New Judge Suggests Trial Might Delay Until August

July 20, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The Young Thug and YSL RICO trial just underwent a massive overhaul, so it seems like it might need some time to fully get back into the swing of things. Moreover, the new judge in this case, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Paige Reese Whitaker, reportedly organized an attorney-only hearing to do a progress check and outline what guidelines the court should follow moving forward. “I want to be moving forward efficiently and expeditiously,” Judge Whitaker allegedly told the legal teams (per Rolling Stone), and also admitted to “parachuting in” with little prior knowledge of this specific trial and case.

However, one of the most important alleged points that this meeting discussed was Judge Whitaker’s suggestion that the Young Thug trial might see another delay. According to these reports, she indicated that the jury might have to return to court sometime in August, presumably due to this change in judges throwing a huge wrench into the whole process. For those unaware, the court recused the original judge in the YSL case, Judge Glanville, for his poor handling of a controversial ex-parte meeting.

Young Thug At The 2021 BET Hip-Hop Awards

Young Thug Trial New Judge Delay August Hip Hop News — ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 01: Young Thug attends the 2021 BET Hip Hop Awards at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center on October 01, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Derek White/WireImage/Getty Images)

Then, Young Thug and YSL’s trial found a new judge quick in Judge Shukura Ingram, who took over within hours of Glanville’s exit. But the court saw yet another wild update and earth-shattering development when Judge Ingram recused herself from the trial barely a day after she emerged as its new overseeing authority. This was because of her previous court affiliation with one of the co-defendants in the YSL case, which could’ve presented more issues of conflicts of interest. Fortunately, it seems like Judge Whitaker is here to stay for now, and we’ll have to wait for August to see more signifiant updates.

“Jeffery Williams is innocent of the charges brought in this indictment,” Young Thug’s lawyer Brian Steel stated in relation to these judicial changes. “To clear his name he sought a speedy trial, one in which he would receive the constitutional guarantees of a fair trial with an impartial judge presiding and ethical prosecutors following the law. Sadly, Judge Glanville and the prosecutors have run afoul of their duties under of [sic] the law. Mr. Williams is grateful that the reviewing court agreed with him and entered the order recusing and disqualifying Judge Glanville from presiding over Mr. Williams’ case. We look forward to proceeding with a trial judge who will fairly and faithfully follow the law.”

[via]

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Young Thug & YSL Trial’s New Judge Outlines Updated Courtroom Guidelines

July 19, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The Young Thug and YSL RICO trial went through three judges in as many days, with Judge Paige Reese Whitaker now overseeing the case’s proceedings. Moreover, she recently issued a new list of courtroom guidelines for the defense, the prosecution, and all other participants to follow. These include a timely 8:45AM start time for court days with no exceptions (as long as all defendants have a lawyer present), no more eating in court barring an extended day working through meal times, and no more extensive wardrobe. Also, Judge Whitaker wants to minimize disruptions in court, ban defendants from using headphones during the trial, and leave no gaps between witnesses, indicating that the State needs to introduce their next witness immediately.

“Jeffery Williams is innocent of the charges brought in this indictment,” Young Thug’s attorney Brian Steel stated regarding the original judge for this case, Judge Glanville, being recused. “To clear his name he sought a speedy trial, one in which he would receive the constitutional guarantees of a fair trial with an impartial judge presiding and ethical prosecutors following the law. Sadly, Judge Glanville and the prosecutors have run afoul of their duties under of [sic] the law. Mr. Williams is grateful that the reviewing court agreed with him and entered the order recusing and disqualifying Judge Glanville from presiding over Mr. Williams’ case. We look forward to proceeding with a trial judge who will fairly and faithfully follow the law.”

Young Thug’s New Judge Brings A New Set Of Rules

Judge Whitaker has laid out some new guidelines for the courtroom in the Young Thug trial.

All things considered, it’s great to see the Judge show control over the courtroom, something we’ve had problems with before. pic.twitter.com/1wZhnM2f3l

— THUGGERDAILY ひ (@ThuggerDaily) July 19, 2024

Elsewhere, this is what the judge between Glanville and Whitaker in this case, Judge Shukura Ingram, had to say about recusing herself from the trial almost immediately after the court assigned her to it. “Because this Court’s former assigned deputy could be called as a witness in any future proceedings in this case, the Court may be called upon to assess this deputy’s credibility, or rule on matters related to her criminal prosecution,” she wrote in a filing. “This may undermine the public’s confidence in the impartiality of the proceedings. While the Court does not regard the aforementioned situation as creating any actual bias for or against any party to this case, the Court does view this as a matter that could cause a reasonable person to question the Court’s impartiality and reasonably give rise to the appearance.”

Meanwhile, other folks already spoke on their negative assessment of how the trial progressed, including a former Georgia judicial chair. This Young Thug and YSL RICO case turned ugly years ago at this point, and now we must wait to see if this new era will prove more clear or effective. Still, this is just a speculative anticipation, and the next days of the trial will be a crucial indication of the future. Let’s hope things become more easy to understand, develop, and identify as fact or fiction in this trial.

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Young Thug Trial: Another New Judge Assigned To RICO Case After Two Recusals

July 17, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Earlier this month, Young Thug’s ongoing RICO trial took yet another turn when Judge Ural Glanville was recused from the case. The recusal came after the rapper’s lawyer Brian Steel filed a motion for it, citing a controversial ex-parte meeting between Glanville, the prosecution, and star witness Kenneth Copeland.

Almost immediately, a new judge was appointed to the case. Judge Shukura L. Ingram didn’t last long, however, as she recused herself only a couple of days later. In a filing, she explained that her deputy previously engaged in an inappropriate relationship with Young Thug’s co-defendant Big Bhris, and allegedly tried to sneak contraband into jail for him. She said this could call “the Court’s impartiality” into question. Again, Young Thug was left waiting for another judge to be appointed.

Judge Paige Reese Whitaker To Oversee Young Thug’s Trial

The new Judge in the Young Thug case has been assigned. Here we go again.

Judge Paige Reese Whitaker pic.twitter.com/3CUTft3PqQ

— THUGGERDAILY ひ (@ThuggerDaily) July 17, 2024

Fortunately, it was a fairly quick process, as Judge Paige Reese Whitaker has now taken over the case. Reportedly, she’s a former Fulton County prosecutor and previously worked at the state Attorney General’s Office. She’s been a Fulton County judge since 2017. It’s to be seen whether or not Young Thug will have better luck this time around, though he’s surely growing tired of the ongoing trial. It’s been in motion since November of last year, and still shows no signs of coming to an end. Proceedings were put on hold while Steel’s recusal motion was under review, meaning even more delays for the incarcerated rapper.

Regardless, he and Steel appear to be relieved by this latest development. After Glanville’s recusal, he issued a powerful statement about the case, emphasizing the fact that his client is seeking a “speedy” and “fair” trial, complete with an “impartial” judge. What do you think of another new judge getting assigned to Young Thug’s RICO case? Do you think he’ll have better luck this time around? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

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YSL Woody Affiliate Reportedly Murdered In Atlanta Amid Young Thug RICO Trial

June 30, 2024 by newhiphopnews

A lot of speculation is running rampant online right now due to the alleged murder of an affiliate of YSL Woody’s supposedly named Tay. Moreover, this discussion is happening because of Woody’s involvement as a witness in the Young Thug and YSL RICO trial, and how folks are claiming that there must be a connection here. We want to make it clear that there’s little confirmation on whether a shooting victim is actually an associate of the YSL member’s, and that any theories about the reason for this attack are purely speculative and unrelated to the case at press time. The tragedy occurred in Southwest Atlanta early Sunday morning (June 30) at an apartment complex in Peyton Place off of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, and police reported no other injuries.

Furthermore, the last update we got concerning YSL Woody and the Young Thug trial are about theories seeking to answer why Thug might not have paid for Woody’s legal fees. These rumors landed on the Internet courtesy of 1090 Jake’s recent interview with DJ Vlad on VladTV, and are also unconfirmed as of writing this article. There was a big back and forth between whether or not Woody would testify in the case, which obviously prompted its own heated debate around the idea of snitching. It’s been an unfortunate narrative in the case either way, albeit an expected one given the circumstances of these alleged crimes.

YSL Woody Affiliate Allegedly Shot

Meanwhile, other folks are instead focusing on a very interesting recent Young Thug tweet. “Whateva wham say goes,” Thugger sent out, and “Wham” is his nickname for Lil Baby. As you’re probably aware, Baby has been dissing Gunna for a while now, a former close partner still on YSL that many folks launched snitching claims against after his plea deal in this trial. Did the Atlanta trap pioneer cosign one of his protege’s attacks against another or does this have nothing to do with the case?

Either way, we still have to see what comes of this mystery murder, and whether there’s an actual link to YSL Woody here. There are also rumors that Thug’s brother Unfoonk will reveal some important information soon. Many fans raised eyebrows at his musings on whether to “set the record straight,” considering that he also took a plea deal. It’s all a pretty confusing and concerning affair, so we’ll see what happens with it.

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YSL Trial Update: Judge Glanville Determined To Find Out Who Told Young Thug’s Lawyer About Controversial Private Meeting

June 12, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Mother of Murder Victim Testifies in YSL Rico Trial

Judge Ural Glanville has his sights set on who informed Brian Steel, Young Thug’s attorney, about the ex parte meeting with himself, the prosecution, and controversial witness Kenneth “Lil Woody” Copeland. Yesterday(June 11), Judge Granville announced a Show Cause order to everyone present for the conversation to prove that they were not the source of the leaked information or they will be held in contempt.

The meeting is scheduled to be held on June 25th.

On Monday, Steel demanded a mistrial in court after finding out about the ex parte meeting. Copeland decided not to testify, even after taking an immunity which required his testimony on the stand.

“You’re not supposed to have communication with a witness who’s been sworn,” Steel argued. “… If that’s true what this is is coercion, witness intimidation, ex parte communications that we have a constitutional right to be present for.”

“I still want to know, how did you come upon this information,” Glanville demanded. “Who told you?” Glanville held Steel in contempt of court, sentencing him to 10 weekends in jail. “You don’t get to extort the court. It doesn’t work that way,” he said. Steel also requested that he spend the jail time in the same cell as Young Thug if his appeal doesn’t go through.

The YSL/Young Thug RICO trial is the longest-running proceeding in Georgia’s history.

The post YSL Trial Update: Judge Glanville Determined To Find Out Who Told Young Thug’s Lawyer About Controversial Private Meeting first appeared on The Source.

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Young Thug’s Lawyer Brian Steel Returns To Court Following Short-Lived Arrest

June 10, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Brian Steel has returned to the courtroom after he was taken into custody during the YSL RICO trial, earlier today. Additionally, his wife, Collette Steel, has filed a notice of appeal regarding the court order. At one point, he reportedly accused both Judge Ural Glanville and the state of allegedly attempting to coerce witnesses, according to THUGGERDAILY. Additionally, he claimed to have evidence of this being the case but was taken into custody. Steel was upset about a private conversation that apparently took place between the judge, prosecutors, and one of the state’s star witnesses prior to the court date.

When Glanville asked how Steel learned of the conversation, the attorney refused to answer. In turn, the judge placed him in contempt of court. “You got some information you shouldn’t have gotten,” Glanville argued, as caught by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Steel fired back: “You’re not supposed to have communication with a witness who’s been sworn.” The witness in question is Kenneth Copeland, who just spent a weekend in jail after reneging on his decision to testify in the trial. He previously agreed on an immunity deal that relies on his decision to take the stand.

Brian Steel Arrives At Court

Brian Steel, attorney for rapper Young Thug, arrives at the Fulton County Courthouse on November 27, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. Opening statements are set to begin in the case against 31-year-old US rapper Young Thug and 28 others, who are facing a racketeering indictment accusing the defendants of a number of offenses that support an overarching conspiracy charge, including murder, assault, carjacking, drug dealing, and theft. (Photo by Christian Monterrosa / AFP) (Photo by CHRISTIAN MONTERROSA/AFP via Getty Images)

“How about the witness, how about Mr. Copeland, who supposedly announced that he’s not testifying and he’ll sit for two years and, supposedly this honorable court, or let me rephrase that, this court, said I can hold you until the end of this trial,” Steel asked. From there, he became more heated, arguing: “If that’s true what this is is coercion, witness intimidation, ex parte communications that we have a constitutional right to be present for.”

Brian Steel Returns To The Courtroom

Steel is now being allowed back into the court, I’m assuming they will try to resume as if all of this didn’t happen

— THUGGERDAILY ひ (@ThuggerDaily) June 10, 2024

NEW: Brian Steel’s wife, Collette Steel, has filed a Notice of Appeal regarding Judge Glanville’s order of contempt.

She will be representing him for the appeal. https://t.co/DrjTn69KgC pic.twitter.com/gvPNyzSiqA

— THUGGERDAILY ひ (@ThuggerDaily) June 10, 2024

“I still want to know, how did you come upon this information,” Glanville reiterated. “Who told you?” He later added: “You don’t get to extort the court. It doesn’t work that way.” Be on the lookout for further updates on Brian Steel and Young Thug on HotNewHipHop.

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YSL Lil Woody To Give Forced Testimony In Young Thug Trial

June 7, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The Young Thug and YSL trial is moving along at quite the slow pace, but little by little, more pieces are falling into place. Moreover, YSL Lil Woody recently spoke to Judge Ural Glanville in the courtroom, and the judge told him that the court granted him immunity and thus expects him to testify. If Woody doesn’t testify, then Glanville clarified that he would hold him in contempt and subject him to jail time, and by the end of the exchange, Woody seemingly agreed to testify. It’s also important to note that he was explicitly informed that prosecutors could not use his testimony against him.

Furthermore, this is far from the only controversy surrounding cooperation that YSL Lil Woody has faced concerning the Young Thug and YSL trial. In fact, he even has something relating to the collective’s feud with YFN Lucci and that crew, as a video leaked last year of an interrogation that investigators conducted with Woody. This even led to a mistrial request, but that didn’t lead to much other than folks debating and discussing this development. Since then, his name didn’t come up much in court proceedings, but we’ll see whether this testimony is any different.

YSL Lil Woody Considers Testifying In Young Thug Trial: Watch

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Meanwhile, this comes amid a strangely light time in the Young Thug and YSL trial, at least when it comes to the headlines and narratives currently surrounding it. For example, the courtroom couldn’t help but break out in laughter as a witness called Thugger’s “Lifestyle” with Rich Homie Quan and others a “banger.” Out of everything said during this harrowing and frustratingly long legal process, that might be the most true thing to come out of a participant’s mouth. Jokes aside, it’s at least been heartening to see Jeffery and others balance out the hardship with a smile, hard work, appreciative messages, or other shows of perseverance.

Still, folks continue to advocate for Young Thug and YSL’s freedom on their behalf, a possibility we seem no closer to witnessing. No matter what happens next in this court case, it’s clear that there will be a lot of left-over conversation surrounding cooperation and testimonies. After all, Gunna already caused a storm with his decision, one that still has repercussions and implications for his career today. We’ll see if this discourse evolves any more than it already has.

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Young Thug Trial: Prosecutors Reveal Whether Or Not YFN Lucci Will Testify

June 5, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Yesterday was the 84th day of Young Thug’s ongoing YSL RICO trial and saw the judge question whether or not another famous rapper would be taking the stand. In a clip from the courtroom, he asks the prosecution if YFN Lucci will testify. This prompted her to confirm that he won’t. “At this juncture, we do not believe he will be testifying,” she explained. Lucci is still on the state’s witness list, however, though he previously refused to testify.

“Any party can announce, for example, that Abraham Lincoln is on their witness list, but those words alone are meaningless,” his attorney Drew Findling told TMZ in late 2022. “So, to be 100 percent clear, Rayshawn Bennett (YFN Lucci) will not be a witness in the YSL case.” He also took to Instagram from prison to double down last year. “Even in a earthquake we wouldnt break n***a know we solid #Free650,“ he wrote at the time.

Prosecutors “Do Not Believe” YFN Lucci Will Take The Stand

The prosecution in the Young Thug trial confirms they will NOT be calling YFN Lucci to the stand. pic.twitter.com/yiGdr2lI5T

— THUGGERDAILY ひ (@ThuggerDaily) June 4, 2024

YFN Lucci was first looked at as a potential witness after Young Thug was accused of ordering a hit on him. In 2022, Lucci was stabbed while behind bars, and two YSL affiliates were allegedly behind it. He’s not the only fellow artist whose testimony has been up in the air either. Back in April, Lil Wayne was removed from prosecutors’ long list of potential witnesses. The following month, they tried to introduce clips of Weezy talking about Young Thug as evidence, but the judge refused to accept them unless Lil Wayne testified.

Fans were also curious whether or not Gunna would be taking the stand, particularly amid “snitching” allegations. The state confirmed in April that he will not be testifying. What do you think of prosecutors confirming that YFN Lucci will not be testifying in Young Thug’s ongoing YSL RICO trial? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

[Via]

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