American rapper Jeffery Williams, known as Young Thug, has been released from prison after serving two years behind bars. His release followed a plea deal he accepted on Thursday in connection with a lengthy racketeering case.
Young Thug was arrested in May 2022 during a large-scale crackdown on gang activity, where he was one of 28 individuals indicted in a sweeping 56-count indictment. The charges included violations of Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, as well as allegations of involvement in a criminal street gang.
As one of the three founding members of the street gang YSL, or “Young Slime Life,” Young Thug faced serious allegations, including conspiracy to violate the RICO Act and participation in street gang activities. During his court appearance, he pleaded no contest to the RICO and gang leader charges and accepted guilty pleas on several other counts, which included two gun charges and three drug charges.
Following the plea, the presiding judge imposed a sentence that includes 15 years of probation. Should he fulfill the terms of his probation, this may lead to a reduction in his overall sentence. Additionally, Young Thug is required to conduct anti-gang presentations to children four times a year and perform 100 hours of community service annually.
Initially, prosecutors had recommended a far harsher sentence, suggesting 45 years that included 25 years in prison and 20 years of probation. However, Georgia Superior Court Judge Paige Whitaker opted to reduce the sentence significantly, allowing Young Thug the opportunity to reintegrate into society.
