Young Thug released after changing plea to guilty in Georgia's longest-running criminal trial
Atlanta rap star Young Thug was released from jail Thursday night after changing his plea to guilty earlier that day in Georgia’s longest-running criminal trial.
Atlanta rap star Young Thug was released from jail Thursday night after changing his plea to guilty earlier that day in Georgia’s longest-running criminal trial. He averted prison time with probation, bringing a stunning close to a chapter of a case that has riveted court watchers for nearly two years.
The plea change by the rapper, whose real name is Jeffery Lamar Williams, appeared on the brink of not happening after Superior Court Judge Paige Whitaker asked if he agreed to a nonnegotiated plea. That means prosecutors and the defense could not come to a sentencing deal, and that the judge would ultimately decide his punishment.
The parties returned after a brief recess, and Young Thug agreed to plead guilty to drug- and gun-related charges and no contest to charges of conspiracy and participating in a street gang.
Whitaker sentenced him to 40 years that would have forced him to serve five years in prison, but she commuted it to time served. In addition, he must complete 15 years of probation, which can result in 20 years to be served in custody if probation is not successful.
She put several restrictions on him, including barring travel in metro Atlanta and no contact with affiliated gang members, and said he must perform community service, including doing presentations to community groups and children against gang violence.
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