Defense Team Submits Counter-Offers to Fulton DA’s Plea Deals in YSL RICO Trial

Defense attorneys for Young Thug, aka Jeffery Williams, and his co-defendants have submitted counteroffers to plea deals proposed by the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office. These offers are currently on DA Fani Willis’ desk for review, according to Fox 5 Atlanta reporter Rob DiRienzo.

Breaking: Attorneys for multiple #YSL defendants tell @FOX5Atlanta they have made counter-offers for plea deals and they’re on DA Fani Willis’ desk for approval right now. pic.twitter.com/z0PVwv0sc8

— Rob DiRienzo (@RobDiRienzo) October 28, 2024

The YSL RICO trial, which began in November 2023 after a 10-month jury selection process, resumed today after last week’s unexpected pause. Proceedings were halted last Wednesday when a witness accidentally referenced a co-defendant’s past conviction, leading defense attorneys to request a mistrial over potential juror bias. The case, which has already seen multiple disruptions and strict courtroom security, is now Georgia’s longest-running criminal trial.

Young Thug and several co-defendants face charges under Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, with allegations that YSL (Young Slime Life) is a criminal street gang involved in various violent crimes. Defense teams argue YSL is a legitimate music label, Young Stoner Life, founded by Williams.

Current Defendants and Charges

1. Jeffery Williams (Young Thug) – Facing charges of conspiracy to violate RICO, two counts of participation in criminal street gang activity, three counts of violating the Georgia Controlled Substances Act, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and possession of a machine gun.
2. Marquavius Huey (Qua) – Charged with conspiracy to violate RICO, three counts of armed robbery, four counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, four counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, hijacking a motor vehicle, four counts of criminal gang activity, possession of a weapon by an incarcerated individual, and possession of a telecommunication device by an incarcerated individual.
3. Deamonte Kendrick (Yak Gotti) – Facing conspiracy to violate RICO, murder (related to the 2015 death of Donovan Thomas), participation in criminal street gang activity, three counts of controlled substances violations, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
4. Quamarvious Nichols (Qua) – Charged with conspiracy to violate RICO, murder (in connection with the 2022 death of Shymel Drinks), two counts of participation in criminal street gang activity, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
5. Rodalius Ryan (Lil Rod) – Charged with conspiracy to violate RICO and is currently serving a life sentence for a separate 2019 murder conviction involving the death of Jamari Holmes.
6. Shannon Stillwell (SB) – Facing conspiracy to violate RICO, two counts of murder (related to the 2015 death of Donovan Thomas Jr. and the 2022 death of Shymel Drinks), two counts of criminal gang activity, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

Prosecutors are seeking to prove that YSL is responsible for multiple violent crimes. In contrast, the defense argues that YSL represents a legitimate label, Young Stoner Life, and that Williams and his associates are being unfairly targeted.

Young Thug, who has been denied bail twice, is appealing for his release with a hearing scheduled for Nov. 4. As defense attorneys negotiate plea deals, any agreements could shift the course of this high-profile case in the coming days.