Judge Recusal Further Delays Young Thug’s Racketeering Trial

The gang conspiracy and racketeering trial against rapper Young Thug, privately known as Jeffery Williams, and five associates has faced another delay following the recusal of Judge Ural Glanville.

The removal occurred after defence attorneys argued that Glanville held an improper private meeting with prosecutors and a key witness, undermining the defendants’ rights.

Judge Rachel Krause, who granted the recusal on Monday, 15 July, emphasised that despite no misconduct occurring, the meeting should have been public to maintain judicial integrity. Judge Shukura Ingram has now been assigned to the case.

The 32-year-old rapper at the centre of the court proceedings faces numerous charges, including allegations of leading the Young Slime Life (YSL) gang, which has been linked to violent crimes. Prosecutors assert YSL operates as a criminal enterprise, while the defence insists it is merely a record label producing rap music with fictionalised content.

The controversial use of song lyrics as evidence has added to the trial’s complexities. The recusal aims to ensure a fair trial, although the defence may seek a mistrial moving forward.

The trial – Georgia’s longest at 18 months – began jury selection in January 2023. Initially expected to continue into 2025, the proceedings have been fraught with delays, including a co-defendant’s jailhouse stabbing.

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