Judge Removed from Young Thug Racketeering Case After Defendants Seek Recusal

The ongoing racketeering and gang prosecution against rapper Young Thug and others took a surprising turn as the judge overseeing the case has been removed after two defendants sought his recusal. Fulton County Superior Court Chief Judge Ural Glanville had put the case on hold to allow another judge to review the motions for recusal. Judge Rachel Krause granted the motions and ordered the case to be assigned to a different judge.

The ruling is expected to cause further delays in a trial that has already been going on for over a year. Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffery Williams, was charged two years ago in a wide-ranging indictment accusing him and more than two dozen others of conspiring to violate Georgia’s anti-racketeering law. The prosecution has been presenting its case since November, calling dozens of witnesses.

The defense attorneys for Young Thug and co-defendant Deamonte Kendrick argued that Judge Glanville held a meeting with prosecutors and a state witness without the presence of the defendants and their attorneys. They claimed the meeting was improper and that the judge and prosecutors pressured the witness to testify. Glanville defended the meeting, stating that no tactical advantage was gained.

Lawyers for Young Thug expressed gratitude for the recusal order and emphasized their client’s innocence. Kendrick’s lawyer also welcomed the ruling, stating that an unbiased judge is needed for a fair trial. The case has garnered significant attention due to Young Thug’s success in the music industry and the allegations of gang affiliation.

The prosecution alleges that Young Thug’s record label, Young Stoner Life (YSL), is linked to a violent street gang in Atlanta. Despite the allegations, Young Thug’s lawyer maintains that his client’s music is artistic expression and not a reflection of his actions. The case continues to unfold as it moves to a new judge for further proceedings.