In the ongoing Fulton County RICO trial against rapper Young Thug and his associates, the 15th day witnessed a continuation of testimony after concluding the previous week with a half-day of legal proceedings.
During the recent hearing, Trontavious Stephens, a former co-defendant and key witness who had entered into a plea deal, created a stir on social media by expressing ignorance about the term “snitch.” The testimony unfolded over two hours, concluding at noon and generating significant interest online.
Stephens, a founding member of Young Slime Life (YSL), shared insights into the group’s origins, naming Jeffery Williams (Young Thug) and Walter Murphy as fellow co-founders. Emphasizing that YSL was centered around “the music” rather than criminal activities, Stephens detailed his own involvement in gangs since his early teens.
Addressing his past affiliations, Stephens mentioned his connection with the ROC crew and acknowledged a loose association with The Bloods, admitting to falsely claiming “Sex Money Murder.” When questioned about specific individuals associated with ROC, he clarified no ties with the defendants, asserting, “No one in this courtroom was Raised on Cleveland with me.”
Stephens, who received a plea deal in December 2022, was obligated to testify truthfully as part of the agreement. Originally facing up to 20 years on a single RICO count, he secured a 10-year sentence with two years served and the remaining time on probation.
The charges against Young Thug stem from a grand jury indictment in May 2022, with additional charges added in August. The indictment alleges a RICO conspiracy involving Young Thug and 27 others, accusing them of criminal street gang activity, drug offenses, and gun charges. Prosecutors claim the establishment of a violent gang called Young Slime Life, associated with the national Bloods gang.
Young Thug’s defense maintains his innocence, arguing that YSL is solely a record label. Defense lawyers criticize the use of RICO and anti-gang laws, asserting prosecutorial overzealousness.
In a related development, rapper Gunna, charged with racketeering conspiracy, entered an Alford plea in December, acknowledging YSL’s dual identity as a music label and a gang. The co-founders Walter Murphy and Trontavious Stephens pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges.
The remaining defendants in the trial include Marquavius Huey, Deamonte “Yak Gotti” Kendrick, Quamarvious Nichols, Rodalius Ryan, and Shannon Stillwell.
If convicted, Young Thug faces penalties ranging from five to 20 years in prison for racketeering conspiracy and two gang charges, along with potential prison time for the other five charges. The defense continues to contest the charges, denouncing the prosecution’s use of legal statutes.