ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Two years to the day he was indicted, Young Thug’s historic gang trial in Atlanta resumes Thursday.

Jeffery Williams – Young Thug’s real name – was indicted on May 9, 2022; he’s on trial in Fulton County in a massive RICO case involving himself and five other defendants. Young Thug himself is facing eight criminal counts under a federal law that was originally enacted to fight organized crime. Georgia is one of 33 states that has its own RICO law, but in the Peach State, the alleged criminal enterprises do not have to have existed as long as the federal law.

Defense attorneys have raised concerns the trial could go years based on the number of witnesses the state plans to call up. Attorneys for Williams argue the artist is not the leader of an alleged gang like prosecutors claim.

A total of 18 jurors have been selected, with six of them being alternates. Two jurors have already been excused; one had a medical emergency, and the other moved out of Fulton County.

On Wednesday defense attorneys cross examined Tyrone Dennis, a retired Atlanta police investigator who has been on the stand for the last few days.

Max Schardt, who represents Shannon Stillwell, questioned the witness about his prior police reports. At one point the judge excused the jury to tell Schardt that his examination borders on condescension.

“Your conduct cannot be improper toward our witnesses, okay?” Judge Ural Glanville said.

“I wasn’t directing anything toward the witness, I think he understands my question,” replied Schardt. He said he felt he was not being allowed to ask questions as the state kept objecting while he was cross-examining Dennis.

Earlier in the day the judge scolded defense attorneys for the continued delays and for not flagging motions and objections earlier so they can be address before the jury and witnesses are called in.

The jury selection process for Young Thug’s trial lasted longer than any other trial in Georgia history, and was repeatedly plagued by arrests, charges, and disruptions. The trial itself could last for more than a year. Georgia’s longest jury selection and its longest trial both came in the Atlanta Public Schools teacher scandal of 2014-15.

Opening statements began on Nov. 27, 2023.

Defense attorneys for Williams and his remaining co-defendants say YSL (Young Slime Life or Young Stoner’s Life) is Young Thug’s record label. Prosecutors are attempting to show YSL is a criminal street gang responsible for numerous offenses.

Williams is also charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute; possession of codeine with intent to distribute; possession of cocaine; possession of a firearm; and possession of a machine gun.

Prosecutors have indicated they have about 150 witnesses they still plan to call.

Atlanta News First is broadcasting gavel-to-gavel coverage of Young Thug’s trial on its live stream and YouTube channel.

How can I watch the Young Thug trial?

Atlanta News First will be covering the trial live on our ANF+ livestreams, which you can watch on our website, on Youtube or on Roku, Fire TV and AppleTV. We will also report on the events online.

Young Thug’s trial: Listen wherever you get your podcasts

Download our Atlanta News First app for the latest details on Young Thug’s historic trial.

Copyright 2023 WANF. All rights reserved.