Atlanta rapper Young Thug has entered a guilty plea regarding charges tied to gang activity, drugs, and firearms, a surprising development that may bring his lengthy trial to a close, according to reports from US media. The 33-year-old artist, whose real name is Jeffery Lamar Williams, was taken into custody in May 2022 on charges related to racketeering and gang involvement and has been incarcerated since then.

Prosecutors assert that Young Stoner Life (YSL) Records, the label founded by Williams, operates as a front for an organized crime group and that YSL stands for Young Slime Life. The Grammy Award-winning musician has achieved significant success, selling over 2.5 million albums and earning recognition as one of the most influential rappers of the 21st century. This case is reportedly the longest criminal trial in Georgia’s history.

Initially, prosecutors sought a sentence of up to 120 years for Williams; however, a plea agreement has been reached that requires judicial approval. Under this agreement, he pleaded guilty to one count of gang activity, three counts of drug offenses, and two counts related to firearms. Additionally, he entered a no contest plea regarding leading a criminal street gang and conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (Rico) Act. This means he will accept the penalties associated with those charges without contesting them.

The sentencing decision now lies with Superior Court Judge Paige Whitaker. Prosecutors are expected to recommend a 45-year sentence, which would include 25 years in prison followed by 20 years on probation. Earlier this week, three of Williams’s co-defendants also accepted plea deals.

In 2022, prosecutors applied the Rico Act—often associated with mafia cases—against Williams and 27 associates linked to YSL. They allege that the gang engaged in nearly 200 distinct criminal acts as part of their conspiracy, with gang rivalries resulting in over 50 violent incidents on Atlanta’s streets since 2015.

Although jury selection began in January 2023, opening statements did not occur until November of that year when only six co-defendants remained in the trial alongside Williams. In July of this year, proceedings were halted indefinitely after his legal team requested the recusal of a judge due to alleged misconduct. They claimed Judge Ural Glanville had conducted an improper private meeting with prosecutors and a critical witness.

Amid various unusual occurrences during the trial—including the arrest of a deputy for attempting to smuggle contraband—two remaining defendants plan to proceed with their trials. Following requests from Williams’s lawyers, prosecutors indicated that the case could shift to federal court soon.