American rapper Jeffery Lamar Williams, professionally known as Young Thug was officially set free from jail on 15 years of probation earlier this month in court. After changing his plea to guilty, he avoided prison time with probation by bringing a stunning close to part of a case that has thrilled court watchers for almost 2 years.
“I’m happy he’s free because now he can make music after being locked up for a long time on something he didn’t do,” senior Alahni Lovett said. Williams has been in jail since May 2022 against charges related to leading a claimed alleged street gang “Young Slife Life,” or “YSL”, with members accused of committing illegal and violent acts that include murder, armed robbery, drug dealing, and carjacking.
Now that Williams is free, he can focus on making his music and continuing his music career while on 15 years of probation. “I’m glad he is free. He and Mariah, the scientist, are going to be lit all year,” senior James Lynch said.
Prosecutors at Fulton County courthouse in Atlanta had been negotiating with Thug’s lawyers to try and reach a plea deal that would stop his involvement in the 2 ½ year trial. They were stalled for a while when both sides disagreed on the conditions. He admitted guilty to one gang charge, three drug charges, and two-gun charges.
He had also chosen not to contest another gang charge and a fraud or “racketeering” conspiracy charge. That means he accepted punishment for those charges as if he had pleaded guilty. For his first 10 years of probation, he must stay away from the “Metro Atlanta” area unless it’s a wedding, funeral, graduation, or a serious illness of a family member. He can arrive 24 hours before the event and must be gone 48 hours after.
