ysl rico

YFN Lucci’s Trial Pushed Back Due To Young Thug’s RICO Case

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After a storm of updates in the YSL RICO case and Young Thug’s trial, rappers beyond the label’s spectrum felt its effects. Moreover, authorities reportedly pushed YFN Lucci’s murder and racketeering case back due to YSL’s RICO indictment. Said trial will commence on January 9th.

ATLANTA, GA – NOVEMBER 29: Rapper YFN Lucci attends Reginae Carter 22 Hot Girl Birthday at Republic Lounge on November 29, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia.(Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)

Moreover, Atlanta-based reporter George Chidi tweeted the news after a conversation with Lucci’s attorney. They claimed that a judge delayed Lucci’s trial, set for the same date as Thugger’s, so the YFN rapper was able to potentially testify in Thug’s case.

“YFN Lucci’s trial was due to begin January 9, same as Young Thug’s,” Chidi tweeted. “The YFN gang and RICO case is just as wide-ranging as the YSL case. The two are connected; Lucci is a witness. But Lucci’s trial date has been postponed, his attorney said Tuesday. No new court date has been set.”

Furthermore, the reporter clarified some points after questions came in droves. While Lucci joined the state’s witness list alongside many prominent hip-hop voices, he refrained from confirming his participation.

“And here we go. For clarification: Lucci is on the state’s witness list,” he wrote. “That doesn’t mean he’s going to testify, but he could still be called. Don’t @ me with questions about snitching. I don’t care.”

Despite Lucci’s mention in the indictment, his attorney had stated that he will not be testifying. When inmates stabbed Lucci in March of 2021, prosecutors accused two YSL associates. Moreover, the court alleges that the accused sought Thug’s permission to attack him again. These details emerged after authorities delayed the 31-year-old’s trial multiple times.

Meanwhile, Thug’s case took no shortage of shocking turns as the year ended. With members like Gunna taking plea deals what seems like every day, his upcoming trial will be monumental. Moreover, it could define the label for the next few years and already hampered a bright and crucial career in hip-hop.

Still, what do you think of YFN Lucci’s trial, its delay, and its relationship with Young Thug’s court case? Whatever the case, let us know in the comments down below. Also, as always, check in with HNHH for the latest on these developing hip-hop cases.

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Young Thug Trial: Judge Reads “Slime Sh*t” Lyrics In Court

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We’re days away from Young Thug facing a judge in the YSL RICO case. However, the jury selection process began this week. Throughout the past few days, there have been some interesting updates regarding those who’ve copped pleas and others who didn’t.

ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 15: Young Thug attends Gunna Presents New Album “DS4EVER” Concert at The Masquerade on January 15, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia.(Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)

We all know that the rapper’s lyrics will be used against him in court but today, the judge actually took the time to read out a few of Thugger’s bars. During today’s hearing, the judge recited Young Thug’s lyrics to “Slime Shit” in court. The judge didn’t read the entire song. Instead, he recited the bars that prosecutors might use to prove Thugger’s guilt to the jury. Some of the lyrics aren’t even rapped by Thug but by his collaborators, Lil Duke and Yak Gotti.

Some of the lyrics read in court include:

“Hey, this that slime shit, hey
YSL shit, hey
Killin’ 12 shit, hey
Fuck a jail shit, hey…
Cookin’ white brick, hey…
I’m not new to this, hey, I’m so true to this, hey
I done put a whole slime on a hunnid licks, hey, hey…
Slime or get slimed, maniac don’t have a mind…
Got banana clips for all these niggas actin’ monkey…”

Young Thug was officially charged with eight out of the 65 counts originally listed in the indictment. Along with conspiracy to violate the RICO act and participation in a street criminal gang, the rapper faces charges relating to guns and drugs.

Thug is among the the 14 co-defendants that will face trial next week. The original indictment listed 28 individuals but in recent weeks, we’ve seen eight individuals, including Gunna, cop plea deals. Four defendants will be tried separately since they can’t find attorneys while authorities still haven’t arrested two individuals listed.

We’ll keep you posted on anymore updates regarding the case.

Tony Yayo Thinks Video Of Gunna Leaving Jail “Wasn’t A Good First Day Out”

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Jury selection for the YSL RICO case is underway, and Tony Yayo has been paying attention. The G-Unit rapper, along with the remainder of Hip Hop, has tracked updates in the case against Young Thug and his purported associates. Eight people have taken plea deals, including Gunna, and Yayo questions if the “Pushin P” rapper’s first day out was a good look.

“It’s hard to call somebody a snitch without the paperwork, but I think when that video came out,” Yayo told VladTV. “‘Cause remember when Gunna got out—and I love Gunna music. I love Thugger music. Gunna got out, he had the bad chick with him, jumped in a $200,000 Maybach, everything was all Gucci.”

Read More: Bobby Shmurda Drops Freestyle Dissing Snitches & Some Feel That He’s Targeting Gunna

“But, two minutes later—what was that, probably like an hour later, the film in court came out. And, you know, of course, his lawyer wrote that [statement]. His lawyer probably wrote that. But, now in these days, you got the camera, it just gon’ look like you pushin’ pleas.”

Yayo noted that in the industry, especially Hip Hop, “if you turn into a rat… career’s over.”

Vlad spoke about Gunna admitting in his plea deal that YSL was a criminal organization and that he witnessed other members committing crimes.

Read More: Waka Flocka Flame Addresses Gunna, Young Thug & Snitching Allegations

“But then, a lotta people was confused and they was sayin’, ‘What Thugger say? Did Thugger tell him to take that plea ’cause he feel like he not comin’ home?’” said Yayo.

“If that’s the case and he told him to do that… There’s just a lotta confusion,” he added. “We don’t know. The internet is gonna have two sides to the story. But the video in court, when you sayin’, ‘Yo, is YSL a gang?’ ‘Yes ma’am.’ ‘Is this a gang? ‘Yes ma’am.’”

Yayo said he would have stayed in jail longer than a year. “That wasn’t a good first day out for him.”

The case against Young Thug is said to begin this month. Check out what else Tony Yayo had to say about the controversy above.

Lil Gotit & Dolly White Asked About YSL RICO Trial By Paparazzi

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Lil Gotit has been one of the “Free YSL” movement‘s most active supporters. Ever since Young Thug and other members of their crew were arrested in May last year, he’s been advocating for their release.

In September, the 23-year-old explicitly showed his support for his brothers through the single, “Free Y$L.”

Recording artist Lil Gotit attends Superstar Creature With Lil Gotit at China Chalet on February 27, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

Earlier this week, Gotit was spotted at an airport alongside Thug’s sister and fellow YSL artist, Dolly White. Of course, a paparazzi member from TMZ asks them about the forthcoming RICO trial.

“Everybody good. Everybody just gotta relax,” says the “She Know It” rapper. When the cameraman asks the artists about Gunna and other YSL members taking plea deals, Gotit is seemingly about to open up. However, the “Reckless” rapper intervenes. “More power to them! We can’t talk about that,” she says.

“Nah, Jeff [Thug] good,” Gotit says later on. “He good, I just talked to him this morning,” says the “Ski” rapper’s sister. She then goes on to call out the media for spreading false rumors about the situation. Namely Akademiks, for his reports that Thug didn’t sanction any of the plea deals.

When asked about Thugger’s hopeful release, the pair sound optimistic. “He gon’ get out,” says Gotit. “We ain’t worried about that,” says White afterwards.

In the latest development in the case, authorities are charging the Barter 6 rapper with eight counts. This comes after he was facing a possible 65 charges. The eight against him include conspiracy to violate the R.I.C.O. act and two counts of participation in criminal street gang activity.

However, the murder charges will not be going forward against the 31-year-old. Previous reports were indicating that Thug would be facing life in prison if convicted of murder. “So I just spoke to a lawyer familiar with the YSL case. If Young Thug gets convicted of murder, he will get life in prison. Under Georgia law, he will only be eligible for parole after 30 years. If he gets convicted for even 1 count in his RICO case, he’ll get 20 years,” writes DJ Vlad in a tweet on Sunday (January 1).

What are your thoughts on the YSL artists’ comments? Sound off in the comments below. Finally, make sure to stay tuned to HNHH for all of the latest updates surrounding the trial.

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Young Thug Faces Eight Out Of 65 Charges In YSL RICO Trial

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Screen Shot 2023 01 05 at 10.13.44 AM

According to court documents on public record during jury selection, Young Thug faces eight out of the 65 total charges against the alleged YSL gang in their RICO trial.

The charges against Young Thug, aka Jeffrey Williams, were confirmed during the jury selection for the case, which began yesterday (Jan. 4). Prosecutors alleged that the Young Slime Life collective was a street gang involved in criminal activity, which prompted the 65-count indictment to be handed down in May last year.

Thug’s eight charges include conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, two counts of participation in criminal street gang activity, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of codeine with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine, possession of a firearm and possession of a machine gun.

Thug was one of 28 defendants when the case began, but that number has withered away to just 14 defendants after his other co-defendants, including Gunna, took plea deals to be released from custody. Gunna was released last month after pleading guilty to one count of racketeering.

Thug’s trial will be a fight for his life, as the plea deals taken by his former crew members will make his battle in court even tougher. One of the former co-founders of the crew, Antonio “Mounk Tounk” Sledg,  admitted in court that one or more YSL members were behind the 2015 murder of Donovan Thomas after negotiating his plea deal. Sledge testified that he and other YSL associates were paid by Young Thug to “lay low” after the killing.

The case is expected to last at least nine months to a year, with the media pool schedule running through Sept. 23.

The post Young Thug Faces Eight Out Of 65 Charges In YSL RICO Trial appeared first on The Source.

YSL RICO Update: Young Thug Being Charged With 8 Counts

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As the world awaits YSL’s forthcoming RICO trial, it appears as if there’s a new positive development in the case.

Several members of the crew have taken plea deals in order to be released from jail. Young Thug remains behind bars.

Young Thug performs onstage at ‘Samsung Galaxy + Billboard’ during the 2022 SXSW Conference and Festivals at Waterloo Park on March 17, 2022 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Amy E. Price/Getty Images for SXSW)

On Wednesday (January 4), however, it was announced that the 31-year-old is only being hit with 8 charges. He was possibly facing up to 65 counts. The eight charges include conspiracy to violate the R.I.C.O. act, two counts of participation in criminal street gang activity and possession of both marijuana and codeine with intent to distribute.

Furthermore, the “Best Friend” rapper faces charges of possession of cocaine, possession of a firearm during commission of a felony and possession of a machine gun.

The Allegations

Additionally, the judge read out the allegations against the YSL crew in court earlier today. “Jeffrey Williams [Thug] and Atlanta-based hip-hop artists made YSL a well-known name by referring to it in his songs and on social media. YSL uses a variety of identifiers including colors, clothing, tattoos, hand signs, as well as verbal and written identifiers,” reads Judge Ural Glanville.

“YSL claims affiliation with the national Bloods gang and some associates also claim the Blood subset gangs, Sex, Money, Murder or 30d. YSL associates often display their colors by wearing a green or red bandana on their person, a practice known as flagging,” he continues afterwards.

Further allegations include using other hand gestures and the “SLATT” saying as a way of identifying themselves as gang members. “More allegations read: #YSL assc. make two-guns hand sign by forming pistols w/fingers & pointing them in opposite directions. BLAT[T] (Blood Love All the Time). SLAT[T] (Slime Love All the Time). Emojis include:green heart, green snake, blowing nose, green vomit,” writes journalist Cathy Russon in a subsequent tweet.

Evidently, these accusations attempt to label Young Thug and his fellow YSL crew as gang members. Authorities allege that they are more than just artists who are part of the YSL record label.

Regardless, it’s certainly good news that Thugger is only being charged with eight counts out of a possible 65.

What are your thoughts on the new update? Comment down below. Finally, make sure to stay tuned to HNHH for all of the latest updates surrounding the trial.

Lil Wayne, Birdman & Rich Homie Quan Could Testify Against Young Thug In YSL RICO Case: Report

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The jury selection process in the YSL RICO case begins today. Per WSB-TV’s Michael Seidan, the State revealed a list of potential witnesses that could testify against Young Thug, including a few high-profile names.

The state reportedly has a list of 372 potential witnesses who could take the stand against Thug. Many of them have law enforcement backgrounds, whether current or former police officers. The state’s witness list includes 157 individuals connected to the Atlanta police department. There are another 62 names from other law enforcement agencies. Then, there are 125 lay witnesses including massive names in hip-hop.

Seidan reports that Lil Wayne, whose issues with Young Thug are well documented, Birdman, YFN Lucci, Alexis “Dolly” Grier (Thug’s sister), and Rich Homie Quan are among the “notable witnesses” who prosecutors might ask to testify against the Slime Language rapper during the YSL trial.

Seiden also obtained a list of witnesses for one of Thug’s co-defendants, Miles Farley. The defense for Farley reportedly has T.I., Future, and Trippie Redd as potential witnesses.

The news of the state’s witness list comes a day after Thug’s legal team submitted their own. The 25 individuals listed as the rapper’s witnesses include Killer Mike, Lyor Cohen, and Jerrika Karlae, Thug’s fiancé. Additionally, his team will potentially call on sitting city council members and educators to testify on his behalf.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – MARCH 25: Rapper Young Thug attends the game between Golden State Warriors and the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on March 25, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

While the jury selection process is currently underway, the number of co-defendants in the case has fallen from the original 28. Fourteen of those indicted will face trial next week while six others will be tried separately. However, eight have already taken plea deals. Prosecutors released Gunna and Unfoonk from jail in the past few weeks. Part of the plea agreements is that they may potentially have to take the stand. However, Gunna’s attorney said that his client would plead the fifth if he were to testify.

We’ll continue to keep you posted on anymore developments surrounding the YSL trial.

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The YSL Case: The SOURCE’s Legal Breakdown of Charges & Terms

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Young Thug Makes First Court Appearance in Months

It has been months since Atlanta native Young Thug and members of his Young Stoner Life Records, also known as Young Slime Life, were arrested and charged in part of a RICO case in Georgia. Thug, born Jeffrey Williams, was the critical name of District Attorney Fani Willis’ 56-count indictment on the chart-topping rap star along with fellow star Gunna and other label signees Lil Duk, Yak Gotti, and more.

Thug is facing numerous charges; some were added to his name as recently as Dec. 2022. Meanwhile, at least eight of his co-defendants have pleaded out. One of which, an alleged co-founder of the gang, has reportedly agreed to testify without the use of the fifth amendment.

With this new ever-flowing, Hip-Hop is being introduced to new legal terms, some familiar, some never heard. As the case gets underway, The SOURCE offers a legal breakdown of charges and terms to help you understand what has already occurred and prep you for what may be on the way.

Jury Selection:   Those qualified are randomly chosen to be summoned to appear for jury duty. This selection process helps to make sure that jurors represent a cross section of the community, without regard to race, gender, national origin, age, or political affiliation. 

Voir Dire:  the process used by the parties to select a fair and impartial jury. During voir dire, the jury panel is questioned by the judge and by both parties’ lawyers. The questions are intended to help the lawyers determine whether potential jurors are eligible to serve, or may have conflicts of interest or existing bias against a particular party. Voir dire is an important factor in prevailing at trial, since a single biased juror can cause a mistrial regardless of what the actual evidence shows.

Indictment:  a formal written accusation of crime affirmed by a grand jury and presented by it to a court for trial of the accused.

Grand Jury:  Selected from a cross section of the community and formed for the purpose of issuing indictments based on criminal charges.  The grand jury proceedings are secret and the targets of the criminal charges and their attorneys are not allowed to attend.  The prosecution presents evidence to the panel arguing that an indictment must be issued, and the panel of 16-23 jurors votes on it, with 12 jurors required to indict.  Unlike a criminal trial, in which the burden of proof is “beyond a reasonable doubt,” to issue an indictment the burden of proof is a “preponderance of the evidence,” meaning that the jurors must find that it is “more likely than not” that there is a sufficient basis to issue the indictment.

Plea Deal:    A plea deal is a negotiated resolution of a criminal case between the person accused of a crime and the prosecution. Typically the government will offer a reduced sentence in exchange for cooperation, for example, providing testimony helpful to the prosecution of other defendants.  Plea deals are also called plea bargains, plea agreements, or charge bargaining. Criminal laws allow these arrangements if both sides and the judge agree on the deal. When the Government has a strong case, the Government may offer the defendant a plea deal to avoid trial and perhaps reduce his exposure to a lengthier sentence.

Immunity:   Typically, a prosecutor offers immunity to someone who has committed a minor crime because they believe that it will help them catch or convict someone who has committed a major crime.  By receiving immunity, that person may give testimony without having to worry that they are incriminating themselves.

Pleading the Fifth:  a witness who would otherwise be compelled to make a self-incriminating statement (i.e., in testimony under oath) may invoke the Fifth Amendment, which protects individuals from being forced to self-incriminate themselves.  In a criminal case, the witness’s silence cannot be used against him or her to argue or imply guilt.   Pleading the Fifth in front of a jury may be risky because it can still damage the credibility of the witness.

Beyond a Reasonable Doubt:  the standard of proof the prosecution must meet in a criminal case. The standard of proof is the level of certainty each juror must have before determining that a defendant is guilty of a crime. “Beyond a reasonable doubt” is a much higher standard than “more likely than not.” It is not enough for a juror to believe that the defendant committed the crime – rather, the juror must be certain, based on the evidence presented, that the defendant is guilty.

Stand Your Ground:  provisions under self-defense laws that justify the use of deadly force under imminent threat of harm regardless of whether a safe retreat is possible. Imminent means happening very soon, not later in time. 

Self Defense: the use of reasonable force to protect oneself or members of the family from bodily harm from the attack of an aggressor, if the defender has reason to believe he/she/they is/are in danger.

Breakdown of Charges in the YSL Case:

  • RICO: RICO stands for Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. A violation of RICO occurs when a person, in connection with an enterprise, engages in a pattern of racketeering activity. Racketeering activity includes: Arson, Bribery, Counterfeiting, Distribution of a Controlled Substance, Embezzlement, Extortion, Gambling, Homicide, Kidnapping, Mail Fraud, Money Laundering, Robbery, Wire Fraud, and Witness Tampering.
  • Felony: a crime, typically one involving violence, regarded as more serious than a misdemeanor, and usually punishable by imprisonment for more than one year or by death.
  • Conspiracy: an agreement between two or more people to commit an illegal act, along with an intent to achieve the agreement’s goal.
  • Murder: 4 categories: (1) intentional murder; (2) a killing that resulted from the intent to do serious bodily injury; (3) a killing that resulted from a depraved heart or extreme recklessness; and (4) murder committed 
  • Armed robbery: aggravated form of theft that involves the use of a lethal weapon to perpetrate violence or the threat of violence 
  • Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon: For any assault to be considered assault with a deadly weapon, a deadly weapon must be used to carry out the assault. A deadly weapon is defined as a weapon that is readily able to cause death or a serious physical injury.
  • Possession of a firearm: the unlawful possession of a weapon by an individual.
  • Theft: the taking of another person’s personal property with the intent of depriving that person of the use of their property
  • Violation of the Georgia Controlled Substances Act (VGCSA):  a VGSCA crime refers to such charges as: Possession of Marijuana; Possession of Cocaine; Possession of Methamphetamine. A VGCSA can carry a potential penalty of 2 to 15 years in prison for a first offense and 5 to 30 years in prison for a second and subsequent offense.

The post The YSL Case: The SOURCE’s Legal Breakdown of Charges & Terms appeared first on The Source.

YSL’s Tick Takes Plea Deal, Claims Young Thug Was Mad He Didn’t Beat Or Shoot Victim

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YSL’s Tick reportedly made some damning accusations towards crew frontman Young Thug during a hearing on Thursday (December 29th). He accepted a plea deal in favor of facing trial, which makes him the eighth YSL affiliate to do so. While in court, Tick accepted the plea deal and offered details about Thugger’s attitude towards other YSL members. According to Tick, the “Digits” MC chastised his crew in a group chat for not beating or shooting a victim.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – MARCH 25: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been processed using digital filters.) Rapper Young Thug attends the game between Golden State Warriors and the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on March 25, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

Tick, real name Trontavious Stephens, claimed that YSL crewmates sold drugs at two Atlanta gas stations. Also, he provided an idea of what Young Thug’s jabs looked like.

“Y’all ain’t beat him up or shot him yet?” he allegedly told YSL associates in the group chat. “Y’all getting soft.”

Moreover, Stephens pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the RICO Act in Georgia. The court sentenced him to ten years, with two of commuted time served and eight of probation. The 29-year-old joined Gunna, Slimelife Shawty, Lil Duke, and Thugger’s brother Unfoonk as members who took a plea deal.

Also, Tick agreed to testify during trial as part of his negotiation, as did co-defendant Antonio Sledge. Moreover, Young Thug’s co-defendants Derontae Bebee and Tenquarius Mender rejected offers for a plea deal. Gunna’s plea deal caused a lot of conversation around its implication and whether he snitched. Still, many were happy to see the “pushin p” rapper finally home. As discussions ran rampant, he took to Instagram to deny said claims.

“While I have agreed to always be truthful,” he wrote, “I want to make it perfectly clear that I have NOT made any statements, have NOT been interviewed, have NOT cooperated, have NOT agreed to testify or be a witness for or against any party in the case and have absolutely NO intention of being involved in the trial process in any way.”

Furthermore, as we look to the future, the court set jury selection for Young Thug’s RICO case to commence on January 4th. Meanwhile, his trial will expectedly begin on January 9th.

What do you think of Tick’s claims and his decision to take a plea deal? How do you think this will affect the developing case? Let us know in the comments down below. Also, as always, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest on the fate of YSL and Young Thug.

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YFN Lucci’s Attorney Denies Rumors That He’ll Testify in YSL RICO Case

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YFN Lucci is at the centre of the latest developments in YSL’s RICO case. Lucci and Thugger have a history of involving themselves in a back-and-forth beef over the years.

Lucci’s mother was reportedly shot at some time during their beef. Prosecutors reportedly believe that the So Much Fun rapper subsequently bragged about being responsible in his lyrics.

Young Thug and Gunna attend Onyx Monday Nights hosted by Young Thug at Onyx Nightclub on May 17, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia.(Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)

The song in question is his 2021 collab with the late Juice WRLD, “Bad Boy.” “I shot at his mommy, now he no longer mention me,” Thug raps in the track.

On Thursday (December 29), rumors that Lucci is on the witness list within YSL’s case began to circulate on social media. This stems from a video taken in court. Somebody asks if YFN Lucci is in the indictment, to which someone else responds, “he’s a witness. Isn’t he on the witness list also?” Another person replies, “right.”

However, the “Everyday We Lit” rapper’s attorney, Drew Findling is speaking out against these claims.

“Rayshawn Bennett [Lucci], has never been interviewed or subpoenaed by law-enforcement, the Fulton County District Attorney‘s office or any of the party’s regarding the YSL case. Any party can announce for example that Abraham Lincoln is on their witness list, but those words alone are meaningless. So, to be 100% clear, Rayshawn Bennett [Lucci] will not be a witness in the YSL case. His focus, as it should be, is on his pending Fulton County case,” Findling says in a statement to XXL.

Earlier last year, the world was witness to Lucci surrendering himself to authorities on murder and gang charges. Furthermore, the Atlanta native claims he was the victim of a stabbing while behind bars in March. Despite requests to see a release, he remains in prison. As does Young Thug, who awaits his trial after several fellow YSL members have taken plea deals. Jury selection will reportedly begin on January 5, 2023.

What are your thoughts on the situation? Comment down below. Finally, make sure to stay tuned in to HNHH for the latest updates in the trial and all other pop culture news.

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