Atlanta-born rapper Young Thug is apparently returning home after a nearly two-year legal drama that has become the longest criminal case in Georgia state history.
On Oct. 31, the state of Georgia and Thug agreed to an unnegotiated plea deal that puts the “Pick Up the Phone” rapper on 15 years of probation. CNN. By pleading guilty to various gun and drug charges, Thug is able to avoid a 45-year prison sentence; The judge imposed a sentence of five years in prison (which was commuted to time spent in prison) and 15 years of supervised release, with the possibility of a 20-year sentence if probation conditions are violated. He has been in jail since his arrest in May 2022 and could be released immediately.
The bandit speaks. pic.twitter.com/NrAGSWHWJv
— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) 31 October 2024
The case dates back nearly a decade to the 2015 shooting death of an alleged rival gang member, as well as other gun and drug crimes.
Young Thug and members of Young Stoner's Life Records crew were charged under Georgia's Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) in 2022. Among the evidence used were rap lyrics that prosecutors claimed were evidence of crimes committed. This included many of his collaborators, including rapper Gunna.
Gunna took a plea deal and the others were removed from the case entirely, leaving Thug as one of six defendants on trial. The contentious hearing turned into a circus that included several mistrial requests and the appointment of a new judge on the case.
FULL JUDGMENT
THIS JUDGE SEE THAT THE DEVIL IS NOT IN DANGER BY THE GAMES AND RULES OF THE STATE
IT'S FREE TODAY!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/Dr7eZdZOAW
— THUGGERDAILY ひ (@ThuggerDaily) 31 October 2024
Speaking to the court at today's hearing, Thug apologized to his family and friends for what he has been through for two years and expressed his hope that he will never have to see a judge again. He released his third album Business is Business While his freedom has now been secured after he was imprisoned last year, it remains to be seen how long it will be before the prolific rapper releases new music.
