Acclaimed rapper Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffery Williams, has been released from prison after spending nearly two years behind bars.
The 33-year-old Grammy winner pleaded guilty to charges related to leading the alleged street gang, Young Slime Life (YSL), which was accused of committing violent and illegal acts, including murder, armed robbery, and carjacking.
During his trial in Georgia, prosecutors sought a 45-year sentence, including 25 years in prison and 20 years of probation. However, Young Thug entered a no-contest plea to racketeering conspiracy and a separate gang charge, taking full responsibility for his actions. “I take full responsibility for my crimes, for my charges… To really everybody that has got something to do with this situation, I want to say sorry,” he told the court.
Judge Paige Whitaker sentenced him to 40 years, but commuted it to time served. Young Thug will also serve 15 years of probation with strict conditions, including staying away from metro Atlanta for 10 years (with exceptions), random drug tests, anti-gang presentations to children four times a year, 100 hours of community service per year, and no promotion of gangs or association with known gang members (except for his brother and Sergio Kitchens, also known as Gunna).
Young Thug’s case is considered one of the longest-running criminal trials in Georgia’s history. His release was confirmed by Fulton County jail records.
