Judge Ural Glanville has been taken off Young Thug’s racketeering and gang conspiracy trial in Atlanta.
Young Thug’s lawyers argued that Judge Glanville had a secret meeting with prosecutors and witness Kenneth Copeland, pressuring him to testify. They said this was unfair and against the rules. Because of this, Glanville paused the case in July. Although it was decided that nothing wrong was discussed in that meeting, it should have been public to keep trust in the court system.
The court emphasized that judges must share information without bias. They noted that Glanville believed his own version of events, which led to his recusal. Judge Shukura Ingram was briefly assigned but also stepped down. Now, Judge Paige Reese Whitaker will handle the case.
Brian Steel, Young Thug’s lawyer, stated his client is innocent and wants a fair trial with an impartial judge and ethical prosecutors. He criticized Judge Glanville for not fulfilling these duties but appreciated the decision to remove him from the case.
This trial is Georgia’s longest criminal trial ever at 18 months so far! Jury selection alone took 10 months. Shortly after starting in November, another delay happened when co-defendant Shannon Stillwell got stabbed in jail but survived .
I think it’s crazy how long this trial has been going on!
Before today’s ruling, predictions suggested the trial could stretch into 2025 since prosecutors hadn’t even covered half their witness list of over 200 people yet! Chuck Boring mentioned that Ingram would review whether to continue or step down herself; if she continues, defense attorneys might request a mistrial.
Young Thug faces many charges due to claims he led YSL gang linked with Bloods. Prosecutors say YSL operated like a pack under Young Thug’s command aiming for control over Atlanta while defense argues YSL is just a record label making rap music about crime stories they don’t actually live out.
Allowing song lyrics as evidence added controversy since experts discredit this method.
