Young Thug Pleads Guilty in Georgia’s Longest-Running RICO Trial

Atlanta rapper Young Thug, legally known as Jeffrey Lamar Williams, has entered a guilty plea in his prolonged racketeering (RICO) trial. On October 31, 2024, Williams accepted a non-negotiated plea, leaving his sentencing to the discretion of the presiding judge, Paige Whitaker.

This development concludes Georgia’s longest-running criminal trial, which commenced with jury selection in January 2023.

The trial has seen several co-defendants also accepting plea deals. On October 29, Quamarvious Nichols pleaded guilty to a single count of violating the state’s anti-racketeering laws. In exchange, charges including murder and weapons possession were dropped.

Nichols received a 20-year sentence, with seven years to be served—accounting for two years of time already served—and 13 years on probation

Subsequently, on October 30, co-defendants Rodalius Ryan and Marquavius Huey entered separate plea agreements. Ryan pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate Georgia’s RICO law and was immediately sentenced to 10 years, commuted to time served.

Notably, Ryan is already serving a life sentence with the possibility of parole for a 2019 murder conviction. Huey pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate Georgia’s RICO act and additional charges, including robbery.

He was sentenced to 25 years, comprising nine years in custody, nine on probation, and five years suspended

With Williams’ plea, only two co-defendants, Deamonte “Yak Gotti” Kendrick and Shannon Stillwell, remain. It is currently unclear whether they are negotiating plea deals or intend to proceed to trial.

This case has garnered significant attention due to its duration and the high-profile nature of the defendants involved