American rapper Young Thug was released from prison Thursday evening after pleading guilty to gang, drug and gun charges, in a dramatic twist that ends the longest criminal trial in Georgia history.

The 33-year-old Grammy winner, born Jeffery Lamar Williams, has spent more than 900 days behind bars since his arrest on racketeering and gang-related charges.

In May 2022, prosecutors say the rap label was found in front of an organized crime syndicate that is responsible for “75 to 80 percent of violent crime” in Atlanta.

E bin was sentenced Thursday to prison and 15 years of probation, and jail records indicate they will be released later that night.

“I take full responsibility for my crimes and my accusations,” Mr Williams told the court.

“To truly say that we had something to do with this situation, I want to apologize.”

In a five-minute speech, I describe myself as “a good guy with a good heart” and I find myself “in a lot of things because I’m just nice or cool.”

“And I understand that you’re out of shape when you reach a certain height because it ends badly… and it’s going to fall on you.”

Prosecutors plan to recommend a sentence of 45 years, including 25 years in prison and 20 years of probation.

But plea negotiations failed and Superior Court Judge Paige Whitaker instead opted for non-punishment, commuting my sentence based on the time I’m already serving, paving the way for my release.

“I want you to try to be more about the solution and less about the problem,” Justice Whitaker told me.

As part of the agreement, Mr. Williams pleaded guilty to one gang charge, three drug charges and two firearms charges.

I also plead no contest to leading a gang and violating the state’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (Rico) law, which means I am deciding not to contest these charges and accept punishment for them .

Judge Whitaker further stipulates 100 hours of community service, a ban on any contact with gang members or former co-defendants, and a ban on remaining in the Atlanta metro area for the first 10 years of the term. probation of 15 years, except in special circumstances – including weddings, funerals and anti-gang and anti-gun presentations, they are required to hold four times a year.

Thursday’s plea change ends a multi-defendant case that resulted in multiple delays, courtroom disruptions and motions for a mistrial.

A man known to his fans as “Thugger” bin was arrested in May 2022, with prosecutors charging him and 27 associates of his rap label – Young Stoner Life (YSL) Records – with conspiracy to commit violating the Rico Law, which they famously use. for prosecutions against the mafia.

They claim that YSL actually represents a criminal gang called Young Slime Life, which links men – including fellow rap superstar Gunna – to several crimes, including murder, armed robbery and street carjackings. ‘Atlanta.

But the indictment sparks widespread discussion about prosecutors’ use of YSL’s rap lyrics as evidence of gang actions and criminal intentions. Critics say the accusations violate rappers’ free speech and are part of a growing attack on a black-dominated art form.

Several of Mr. Williams’ co-defendants take plea deals or have their cases discontinued, and one even has his charges dropped after an unrelated murder conviction — and, as the trial begins, there is nothing left only six accused.

Jury selection begins in January 2023 and lasts nearly 10 months.

Di’s attorneys say Fulton County Superior Court Judge Ural Glanville held an “inappropriate” meeting June 10 when he met privately with prosecutors and a key witness.

They claim Judge Glanville tried to pressure the witness to testify and that attorneys pressured him to recuse himself, requests the judge did not deny.

They also find Mr Williams’ lead lawyer, Brian Steel, guilty of criminal contempt in June this year after refusing to reveal how we learned of this meeting.

The trial also recorded several unusual incidents, including the arrest of a Fulton County deputy for allegedly trying to smuggle contraband to a defendant.

For example, the court’s Zoom account was hacked by a supporter of Mr Williams who came shouting “free Thug!”.

Earlier this week, three of Mr. Williams’ co-defendants in the case reached plea deals.

The other two defendants in the case, Shannon Stillwell and Deamonte Kendrick, reportedly intend to continue their trials.