Young Thug To Be Released After Agreeing To A 15-Year Probation Plea Agreement In RICO Case

Georgia’s longest-running criminal trial has reached its conclusion. On Thursday, October 31, Young Thug entered a no contest plea to charges related to RICO and gang leadership in a highly publicized case that commenced over a year ago following his arrest in May 2022. Superior Court Judge Paige Whitaker imposed a sentence of five years for time already served on multiple counts, along with 15 years of probation and an additional 20 years in custody, which will be reduced upon successful completion of the probationary period.

Initially, prosecutors had sought a more stringent sentence of 45 years—25 years in prison and 20 years on probation—had a plea agreement not been established. However, Young Thug’s attorney, Brian Steel, presented a comprehensive argument advocating for leniency. In court, Thug expressed, “I take responsibility for my crimes.”

He further stated, “I want to apologize to my family and my mother. My mother has 11 children; I cannot name them all. I also want to apologize to my managers, my children who are not present, and everyone involved in this situation for the significant time invested.” He added, “I am an intelligent individual. I am a good person, and I genuinely possess a good heart.”

Judge Whitaker also urged the artist, known as JEFFERY, to leverage his platform to make a positive impact on the youth in the future. She remarked, “I recognize your talent, and if you decide to continue your music career, you should strive to use your influence to inform young people that there are better paths out of poverty than associating with the powerful individuals selling drugs on the streets.”

Prosecutors had originally charged Thug with leading a criminal street gang associated with murder and various violent offenses in Atlanta since 2015. Several co-defendants, including frequent collaborator Gunna, either accepted plea agreements or were entirely dismissed from the trial.

In the days leading up to Thug’s final verdict, two defendants accepted plea deals, while YSL Records signee Yak Gotti opted to proceed with a jury trial.