Young Thug finally pleads guilty to gang, drug and gun charges

American rapper Young bandit pleaded guilty Thursday in Atlanta to gang, drug and firearms charges. His plea allows him to be released from prison immediately, although he could face re-incarceration if he violates the terms of his sentence.

The 33-year-old rapper, whose real name is Jeffrey Williams, pleaded guilty without a plea deal after negotiations broke down, according to lead prosecutor Adrian Love. That left the sentencing decision entirely up to Fulton County Superior Court Judge Page Reese Whitaker.

Young Thug’s pleas come more than two years after his arrest and nearly a year after the trial began, according to AP. Jury selection alone took 10 months, and delays included the removal of the original judge over issues raised by co-defendants.

The thug pleaded guilty to one gang charge, three drug charges and two rifle charges. He also entered a no contest plea to another gang charge and a racketeering conspiracy charge, meaning he pleads no contest to those charges but could be sentenced as if he had pleaded guilty.

Judge condemned his to 40 years, with five years substituted for time served, followed by 15 years of probation. If he completes his probation without violations, he will be replaced with another 20 years. A violation, however, would result in serving those 20 years plus any additional penalties for violating probation.

Young bandit you have to stay away from the metro Atlanta during the first 10 years of the probationary period, except for special family events. He is also required to return to the area four times a year to make presentations against gang and gun violence at schools or community centers, counting him toward 100 hours of community service each year.

Additional probationary period the terms include a ban on gang membership, interaction with victims or co-defendants (with the exception of his brother and rapper Gunna due to contractual obligations), facilitating criminal activity and displaying gang-related signs or language. He is allowed to travel within the country and abroad for work.

Prosecutors cited Young Thug’s words as evidence of his guilt, although his attorney, Brian Steele, strongly denied this, calling it “offensive” and claiming the rapper was “wrongly accused.” Steele urged his client to continue the lawsuit, but Young Thug decided to drop the proceedings, citing his children and responsibilities.

Expressing remorse, Young Thug told the judge, “I’ve learned from my mistakes. I came from nothing, I did something, but I didn’t take full advantage of it. I’m sorry.”

The judge recognized his influence on young people and urged him to use it to inspire positive change.

Young Thug, who founded the record label Young Stoner Life (YSL), has been indicted on a major gang-related charge along with more than two dozen others. While three of the co-defendants recently entered into plea deals, two are still pending.