Young Thug freed after 2.5 years in prison, begins 15‑year probation
Another development has emerged in the case of rapper Young Thug, who was involved in Georgia's longest trial. The artist has been conditionally released.
12:12 PM EDT, November 1, 2024
Fans of Young Thug can celebrate—after a significant time behind bars, the rapper is finally free. His legal battle in Georgia was notably prolonged. The case started in 2022, and Thugger had been in custody since January 2023. The charges against the rapper were extensive; if convicted on all counts, he could have faced a total sentence of 120 years in prison.
Young Thug was apprehended for violating the RICO Act, which involves participating in an illegal criminal enterprise. Along with the rapper, several others were also detained. One of them was Gunna, who was, however, released quickly.
Thug faced charges including possession of weapons, drugs, and involvement in criminal activities. The most serious accusation was that the music label YSL (Young Stoner Life Records) functioned as a criminal organization. This could not be substantiated.
Sentenced to 40 years, Young Thug returns home
The rapper ultimately decided to settle with the court. He was initially sentenced to 40 years in prison, but this sentence was reduced. Young Thug was released after 2.5 years behind bars—he was initially supposed to serve five years but received exceptional leniency. Upon release, the artist will enter a 15-year probation period. If he violates the terms of the agreement, he will return to prison for 20 years without the possibility of appeal. Young Thug committed to:
- not leaving Atlanta (except in exceptional circumstances),
- completing 100 hours of community service each year,
- not promoting crime,
- not associating with known gang members (there are two exceptions to this prohibition: his brother Unfoonk and Gunna, who is signed to his label),
- undergoing unannounced drug tests,
- giving annual presentations warning children about gangs.
