Co-defendants in the Young Thug Rico case have been plagued with a nasty COVID-19 outbreak.
In an odd twist of fate, a slew of defendants and even their attorneys have fallen ill with the virus as the highly publicized case pushes forward. This poses a serious challenge for the trial, which is scheduled to get underway next week. A judge has now ordered Thug, whose real name is Jeffery Williams, to undergo a COVID-19 test.
Jury selection is slated to begin on January 5th, with the anticipated trial starting on January 9th. Seven defendants and purported YSL members have already taken plea deals. This includes Thuggers friend and artist, Gunna. The “Top Off” rapper, who was arrested back in May, entered an Alford Plea on December 14th. In a video leaked of his court hearing shortly before his release, Gunna confirmed that he became affiliated with Young Stoner Life Records in 2016. Most damning was the 29-year-old answering “yes” when asked if he was aware that YSL also worked as a gang that committed crimes. Under this deal, Gunna was granted a four-year suspended sentence. He is also banned from contacting Thug or any other defendants in the case unless doing so through his legal counsel. Lastly, a judge demanded that he serve at least 500 hours of community service. Still, despite social media sleuths labeling him a “snitch,” Gunna maintains that he did not betray Thug.
However, other YSL members have agreed to testify against the “Lifestyle” rapper and producer. Antonio Sledge decided to take the stand against his former friend in exchange for 15 years of probation after pleading guilty to conspiracy to violate the racketeer-influenced and corrupt organizations act and possessing a firearm by a convicted felon.
Meanwhile, Thug himself has not been offered any plea deals since he is being treated as the ringleader of the operation. His legal team did manage to score a major victory in court by having illegally obtained evidence excluded from the trial.
