The motion for bond filed by popular rapper and hip-hop icon, Young Thug, has been denied by the new judge presiding over his case, which means he will remain in jail for the time being.
Jeffery Williams, the rapper, has been incarcerated in Fulton County since 2022 due to a wide-ranging indictment under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.
Channel 2 Action News reported on Tuesday that the Fulton County courthouse witnessed the latest bond denial, among other recent developments, in what has now become the longest trial in Georgia’s history.
Since May 2022, Williams has been incarcerated. In court, his attorney, Brian Steel, contended that the trial has dragged on for far too long due to factors outside of Williams’ control and affirmed that his client will not abscond if granted bond.
According to Steel, there is absolutely no reason to suspect that Mr. Williams is trying to escape. In fact, he would have to be crazy to even consider such a thing. Steel pointed out that Mr. Williams has deep roots in the community and is supported by amazing people.
According to Steel, his client does not pose a flight risk. However, Judge Paige Reese Whitaker expressed her reluctance to overturn a previous judge’s decision unless there are exceptional changes in the circumstances.
During the court proceedings on Tuesday, Whitaker firmly stated that he would not reconsider any bond issues that have already been deliberated and decided upon by another court, unless there are valid and significant changes in circumstances. The motion was consequently denied by Whitaker.
For almost 19 months now, the RICO gang case involving the rapper and his associates from the Young Slime Life gang has been ongoing in Fulton County.
On Tuesday, Whitaker presided over the case, marking the third judge appointed since its inception.
During this week, Whitaker will be deciding on various motions that have been filed by defense attorneys and prosecutors. These include motions for mistrial and bond.
According to Michael Seiden from Channel 2, many individuals within Young Thug’s circle believed that Whitaker would support his cause.
She caused disappointment to his family and friends in the courtroom when she denied his motion for bond.
According to Doug Weinstein, the defense attorney, winning the case is a sure thing. However, he believes that a mistrial should still be declared.
During the court hearing, Weinstein expressed that he has no intention of retrying the case. However, he feels compelled to request a retrial as he believes it is his only viable option. He stated, “We are winning by any measure so I’m asking for this retrial because I don’t think I have any other choice but to do that, Your Honor.”
Prosecutors are objecting to plans for a mistrial, as per their statement.
According to prosecutor Adriane Love, it’s best to maintain the momentum if the case is going well, as the state strongly opposes the idea of a mistrial.
