Young Thug/YSL Trial Update: Attorney Held in Contempt, Witness Issues Continu

Court resumed at 10 a.m. on Tuesday in Fulton County for the ongoing trial of Jeffery Williams, known as Young Thug, following a tumultuous session on Monday. Brian Steel, lead attorney for Young Thug, was held in contempt of court by Fulton County Superior Court Judge Ural Glanville. Steel received a sentence of up to 20 days in the Fulton County Jail, to be served on weekends over the next 10 weeks, for refusing to disclose who informed him about an ex parte conversation between the district attorney’s office and witness Kenneth Copeland in the judge’s chambers.Copeland, initially held in contempt of court on Friday for invoking the Fifth Amendment and refusing to testify, returned to the stand on Monday but remained uncooperative. He provided vague responses, claimed vision problems when asked to identify Shannon Stillwell, and complained about being hot.### Charges Against Young ThugYoung Thug was indicted by a Fulton County grand jury in May 2022, with additional charges added in August 2022. He faces accusations of conspiring to violate Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), participation in criminal street gang activity, as well as drug and gun charges. Prosecutors allege that Young Thug co-founded the violent street gang Young Slime Life (YSL) in 2012, which is associated with the national Bloods gang. The indictment claims Young Thug promoted YSL in his songs and on social media.The August indictment includes 191 acts allegedly committed between 2013 and 2022 to further YSL’s interests. Notable allegations include Young Thug threatening to shoot a security guard at an Atlanta mall in 2015 and renting a vehicle used in the murder of rival gang member Donovan “Nut” Thomas. The indictment also accuses him and others of possessing various illegal drugs for distribution.### Co-Defendants and Plea DealsOther defendants still facing trial include Marquavius Huey, Deamonte Kendrick (Yak Gotti), Quamarvious Nichols, Rodalius Ryan, and Shannon Stillwell. Several defendants have already pleaded guilty to various charges, including Sergio Kitchens (Gunna), Quantavious Grier (Unfoonk), Trontavious Stephens (Tick), and Antonio Sledge (Mounk Tounk).The trial continues to unfold with further developments expected as proceedings resume.