Tag: RICO

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Defense Attorneys in YSL RICO Case Demand Fair Pay

YSL Attorneys In RICO Case Demand Fair Pay
Young Thug in the courthouse. Image source: Fox 5 Atlanta.

The attorneys in the YSL case are now speaking out on feeling underpaid and overworked in the face of a vast caseload.

The 14 defendants in the ongoing YSL RICO case were appointed public defenders when the trial began on Jan 9. Recently, those attorneys have been campaigning for a higher pay rate to compensate for an unexpectedly complex and taxing case.

The YSL Curse

YSL member Rodalius Ryan may need to seek new legal counsel soon. His attorney Angela D’Williams recently filed a motion to quit the case. The reason is D’Wiilliams’s paystub being “egregiously low for the amount of work and attention this trial requires.”

In addition, Georgia attorneys Justin Hill and Suri Chadha Jimenez echo similar protests.

According to Hill, he first agreed to tackle the case for $7500 and then subsequently got double pay since the trial has lasted so long. With no clear end in sight for the court case, Hill and several others are demanding pay equal to the amount of effort exerted on their clients. Reportedly, all public defenders in the YSL affair receive $15,000 for their work.

“For at least a year’s worth of full-time work, that’s essentially less than minimum wage…to be honest, I could make more money working at Chick-fil-A as a cashier,” Hill informed the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Hill is currently representing Damone Blalock and is growing frustrated at the mounting workload. According to Hill, the YSL case is also a massive distraction from his other legal matters. Hill and the other attorneys involved with the case reportedly pull all-nighters and even work weekends.

The possibility of lawyers withdrawing will be yet another blow to the YSL team. With evidence piling up by the day, Young Thug and his associate’s fates lie in their legal reps’ hands.

Written by Dreema Carrington 

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YFN Lucci Is Allegedly Not Involved With YSL Case

Defense Attorney In YSL RICO Case Asks Judge To Delay Trial

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YFN Lucci Is Allegedly Not Involved With YSL Case

YFN Lucci YSL Case Involvement Is Lacking
YFN Lucci finally has a court date. Image source: Fulton County Sheriff's Office.

The “Everyday We Lit” rapper, YFN Lucci, and his attorney entail that he is not testifying in the YSL’s RICO case.

The case involves Young Thug in the alleged criminal gang, “Young Slime Life,” or YSL. In an all-exclusive interview with TMZ, Lucci’s attorney, Drew Findling, assures that in no way has the rapper’s involvement. 

The Fulton County District Attorney’s office or any affiliation with the case has never made an attempt to subpoena law enforcement nor interviewed Lucci. 

“So, to be 100% clear, Rayshawn Bennett (Lucci) will not be a witness in the YSL case,” Findling says.

Although the rappers are known to have their differences over the years can give fans, via social media, to suspect differently. Some may believe he is working with YT’s prosecutors to cut a plea deal.

Although a seventh man linked to the YSL case has recently decided to take a plea deal in the Young Thug’s RICO case. 

The Case

The YSL case, also known as “Young Slime Life,” associates an alleged criminal gang with a 56-count indictment. Gunna and Young Thug, among others, involvement are currently being charged. The charge is a conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act (RICO ACT).

Gunna holds one count of conspiring to violate RICO, five counts of RICO indictment, theft, and intent to distribute a controlled substance. 

As for Young Thug, he faces conspiracy to violate the RICO Act with participation in a criminal street gang activity. Another serious offense he faces involvement in is he was using a rented car that was used in the commission of a rival gang member. 

The charges occurred between January 24, 2013- May 08, 2022, and include the following listed below.

  • Conspiracy to violate RICO Act
  • Murder
  • Armed Robbery
  • Aggravated Assault with a deadly weapon
  • Possession of a firearm
  • Theft
  • Violation of Georgia Controlled Substances Act
  • Participation in a street gang activity

YFN Lucci Awaiting His YSL Trial

Rayshawn Bennett, also known as Lucci, is currently behind bars awaiting trial. The 29-year-old is facing multiple charges in a shooting involving the following. 

  • Felony murder 
  • Aggravated Assault 
  • Participation in criminal street gang activity
  • Possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony

His suspected involvement in the southwest Atlanta shooting leaves one man injured and one dead with a gunshot wound to the head.

There have since been 2 arrests for the felony murder involving 23-year-old Ra’von Boyd and 17-year-old Leroy Pitts.

Unfortunately, Atlanta authorities cannot locate the whereabouts of Luccia but do ask the public for their help. There is also an award of $5,000 for any information.

Written by Abbi-Rae De La Rosa

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Young Thugs Legal Team Request Lyrics And Other Work Not Be Used Against Him In RICO Trial

Young Thug
Photo Source: Getty/Suzi Pratt

Young Thug is currently facing gang-related charges as a part of the Young Stoner Life Records RICO case. His legal team is working hard to keep his lyrics out of the trial.

According to HipHop DX, court documents reveal that Thug’s lawyers have requested that the rapper’s song lyrics, music videos, and social media posts be excluded as evidence in the trial. The motion states, “The admission and use of these lyrics, poetry, and artistry against Young Thug in his upcoming trial would be a Constitutional violation and an abuse of discretion, too prejudicial and unconstitutional.” It continues to read, that using this kind of evidence against Young Thug is racist and discriminatory as they believe the jury will be poisoned and prejudiced by these lyrics and such.

The trial against Thug, Gunna, and multiple members of the YSL gang is set to begin!

The RICO trial is set to begin on January 9th, of 2023 and could last almost a year. The current members listed in the 56-count indictment have been locked up since May. Both Thug and Gunna have been denied their bond requests multiple times.

Earlier this month, several new photos of the artists surfaced the internet. The photos show Young Thug and Gunna as they appeared in court video pre-trial hearing. Both were seen rocking jumpsuits and Thug noticeably praying.

Judge Glanville stated, “The biggest driver that I see is that I’ve no-bonded most all the people in this trial… They deserve to have a right to go to trial.” Fulton County D.A. Fani Willis also had filed the motion for a two-month delay in October allowing some of the defendants more time to find legal representation. Prosecutors also revealed during the hearing that they plan to call about 300 witnesses to the trial.

 

Stephanie Kinberg

Instagram @OfficialWaveyS

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FM Legal Trending

Defense Attorney In YSL RICO Case Asks Judge To Delay Trial

YSL RICO Case Attorney Asks Judge To Delay Trial
Young Thug's Appearance in court following the RICO arrest. Image source: arvin.temkar@ajc.com.

Things are getting scarier for the members of the infamous Young Stoner Life record label signees. This past Thursday, October 6th, the Fulton County defense attorney Fan Willis filed for YSL’s RICO trial in Mar 2023 instead of Jan.

While there’s only a 2-month difference, this is still bad news for all 28 YSL RICO defendants, including Young Thug & Gunna.

The attorney states, “a continuance to the final week in March would protect the speedy trial rights of those who have asserted those rights while also ensuring that the additional eight defendants have properly prepared appointed counsel.” 

Some defendants do not have an attorney yet, so Young Thug’s attorney also requests that all of the defendants in the YSL case have a mutual trial.

The Violation Of Thug’s Rights

Earlier this year, we saw Fulton County charge Young Thug & many of his associates with RICO indictments. Thug & his attorney revealed that the Atlanta rapper was not told his Miranda Rights during an interrogation. These two officers’ failure to do this is unconstitutional & is a direct violation of the “Wyclef Jean” artist’s civil rights. “Any statements which were not voluntarily made were made in violation of [Young Thug’s] Constitutional right to counsel,” Brian Steel (Young Thug’s attorney) pointed out. This could prove to be a vital detail in supporting one of Hip-Hop’s most influential artists. Unfortunately, it’s unlikely that this will help any of the other member’s situations.

The Future Of The Record Label

The future of YSL is already significantly dependent on whether Young Thug, Gunna & the other members beat the indictment. If things weren’t grim enough, the label’s brightest young talent Lil Keed passed away shortly after the RICO took place. Many have doubts about the futures of all these individuals involved in the case. With that said, it’ll be historical if YSL can beat these charges & reclaim its spot in Hip-Hop. What do you think will result from the group’s 2023 trial?

Written by: Oryah Brown | Instagram: @oryah.wav

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FM Legal Trending

Young Thug Claims his Rights Were Violated With Illegal Search

YSL RICO Case Attorney Asks Judge To Delay Trial
Young Thug's Appearance in court following the RICO arrest. Image source: arvin.temkar@ajc.com.

Atlanta Icon Young Thug keeps fighting for his freedom with yet another plea to the judge. Now, he’s tackling his interrogation.

You Have the Right To Remain Silent

It’s been a rough year for Young Thug and YSL. In May, the “Check” rapper and several associates went into custody for a pile of serious charges, including conspiracy and murder. 

The 65-count RICO indictment carries a long sentence for YSL members, particularly Young Thug, whom the prosecutors claim is the ringleader. Young Thug, real name Jeffrey Williams, now finds himself in a world of trouble.

Young Thug’s attorney is making some big claims on behalf of his client. According to Brian Steel, a pair of officers interrogated the 31-year-old without reading his Miranda rights while detained in Dekalb County jail.

Young Thug’s attorney pointedly named Cobb County officials David Raissi and ATF Special Agent T. Cunningham as the two responsible. Steel says Raissi and Cunningham began interrogation without notifying him beforehand.

“Any statements which were not voluntarily made were made in violation of [Young Thug’s] Constitutional right to counsel,” Steel expounded in court documents. “Additionally, no mention can be made that [Young Thug] was given the opportunity to speak with law enforcement since this is post-arrest.”

Young Thug Vs. DA

In addition, Young Thug is requesting back his computers and phones after law enforcement took the electronics in a July 2015 search. Seven years ago, Thug allegedly got into a verbal altercation with a security guard that included violent threats. This spurred a police raid into his home, where law enforcement reportedly found drugs and guns. Luckily for the Georgia rapper, all charges from the incident were thrown out due to the unconstitutional search.

In April 2017, the court ordered the return of all the laptops and phones the law enforcement seized earlier. However, Thug never received his belongings.

Ignoring requests from the judge, Chief Deputy District Attorney Michael Sprinkel had the devices searched by digital intelligence company Cellebrite. Brian Steel says there was no search warrant to rifle through his client’s devices following the April ruling. The search violated Young Thug’s “possessory interests in his lawfully obtained property that the prosecution had absolutely no legal right to possess,” as Steel put it.

Light of Hope for Young Thug

Now, the prosecution and Steel are in a tug of war with the seized property. Apparently, opposing lawyers aren’t giving up the devices.

“Instead, without lawful right to keep, hold, inspect, possess or examine Mr. Williams’ property, the prosecution ‘team’ continued to illegally hold Mr. Williams’ property and search these items,” Steel detailed.

There’s been a lot of drama surrounding the evidence derived from the devices. Attorneys are now calling for judge Ural Glanville to suppress its use in court. As Young Thug’s January 2023 trial creeps closer and closer, this may be a helping hand for a case suffering so far.

Written By Dreema Carrington

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FM Legal Trending

The State Of Georgia Complains To Forfeit Young Thug’s Belongings

YSL RICO Case Attorney Asks Judge To Delay Trial
Young Thug's Appearance in court following the RICO arrest. Image source: arvin.temkar@ajc.com.

Young Thug has already spent a reasonable amount of time in custody. He initially went under arrest based on the questionable RICO case, which applies to YSL artists’ song lyrics as allegedly credible evidence. 

The court also denied bond to Young Thug on multiple occasions. His inability to fulfill commitments resulted in more problems, such as A-1 Concert Entertainment suing the artist for missing out on the “Young Thug and Friends” music festival. 

All of the above was insufficient for the state of Georgia’s judicial branch to reverse to third-world standards. You know, the ones supporting the usage of a product of artistic expression as a piece of reasonable evidence. The new questionable reports now come in. 

According to AllHipHop, the state seized Young Thug’s belongings and now wants to forfeit them. The belongings at least include almost $150k in cash and 87 pieces of jewelry. There also was such significant evidence as “a green…sweatshirt.” 

Maybe law enforcement should also bring up extremism charges. Since the shirt has “the phrase ‘SLIME OVER S#### Make America Slime Again.'” 

Why Forfeiting Young Thug’s Property?

The reason why the authorities want to forfeit Thug’s property remains unclear. The Rafaello & Company jewelry claims to own nine chains from the artist’s apartment, which he allegedly never gave back.

However, even the law enforcement declares that “[out] of the nine jewelry pieces which Rafaello & Company Inc. asserts to own…only four pieces resemble any of the…jewelry seized. The other five pieces…do not resemble any of the pieces of jewelry seized.” The reasoning behind seizing the rest of the property, apart from 9 chains, is also unclear.

Thug’s lawyer, Brian Steel, also seems confused by the state’s actions. It makes sense since one can easily find them unconstitutional. 

“Forfeiture of the seized property is barred by the prohibition against excessive fines set forth in the Eighth Amendment,” Steel explained. “The property was either purchased in lawful arms length transactions…or the items were gifted to Claimant by persons who have untainted funds.”

While the situation with Young Thug’s property remains unclear, the artist himself doesn’t seem to get out of jail anytime soon. 

Thug’s incarceration is very controversial due to a multitude of reasons. Questionable lyrics-evidence, and allegedly terrible jail conditions. Multiple bond denials eventually brought more civil court cases to the artist–and now the questionable property seizure, which even the Georgian police finds troublesome to forfeit.

Hopefully, this sorrowful situation will soon end for Young Thug, and the overall problem of using lyrics as evidence will also end.

Written by Nikita Serdiuk | IG: @nikitasrdk | Twitter: @nktserdiuk

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New Music Trending

Lil Baby’s Teases New Album With His Single “Detox”

Lil Baby New Album Is Not Out Yet, But Detox Is
Lil Baby is on the right and in his new "Detox" music video. Image source: Lil Baby Official 4PF, YouTube.

The long-awaited album from Lil Baby is still in the works. Meanwhile, the artist teases the crowd with his new “Detox” single. 

It’s hard to tell how Lil Baby’s new album will sound. Especially considering a wide range of Lil Baby’s 2022 releases, from “Right On” to the “STAYIN ALIVE” feature with DJ Khaled & Drake. 

However, the Quality Control CEO also says Lil Baby’s project will be an “album Of The Year 4 Sure.” At least, that’s for certain. 

“Detox” Visual 

The music video for “Detox” is a construct of inspirations from “The Wolf Of Wall Street,” Facebook motivational posts with boxing people, and 80s workout videos. All of those, combined with Lil Baby’s charm, make the “Detox” music video great. Especially if one watches it with a sense of irony. 

Facebook motivational quotes and “The Wolf Of Wall Street” in 2022 are rather vulgar. According to a 20-year rule, not enough time has passed for the character of the “25-year-rule” follower Leonardo Di Caprio to return. Same with the Facebook quotes. We’ll have sportsmen massively speaking the truth again in 6-9 years, but not yet. 

It’s interesting how Lil Baby is playing with the outdated patterns. Adding his funny bits, like wearing shorts with the suit, Lil Baby makes the visual’s appearance more “modern.” 

The camera work is also absolutely excellent and rather dynamic. Too dynamic sometimes, so prepare your vestibular system. The same goes for setting and coloring. It makes the picture look organic, even with all the sudden scenes and color switches. 

Hot Baby Summer 

Other than releasing new music videos and working on the album, Lil Baby seems to be doing all kinds of things. He recently joined forces with Goodr to donate shoes, clothes, backpacks, and haircuts at Back-To-School Fest in Atlanta’s West End Mall. 

During the event, Lil Baby also hosted an unfortunate concert where crowds of people had to wait for hours, and one person even went to the hospital with a seizure. 

Luckily, Dominique Armani Jones also avoided any legal issues this summer, despite the Atlanta RICO charge trend. “Only god can judge me,” the artist responded to fans’ concerns about him getting arrested with “that rico.” 

Written by Nikita Serdiuk | IG: @nikitasrdk | Twitter: @nktserdiuk

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FM News Trending

Lil Baby Doesn’t Bother With The Atlanta RICO Charge Trend: “Only God can Judge Me”

ATL RICO Trend Doesn't Bother Lil Baby
Lil Baby. Image source: Prince Williams/Wireimage.

4PF is currently under the spotlight for its incredible talent and checkered past. How is Lil Baby handling the rising pressure?

Lil Baby Keeping Calm

Lil Baby had an interesting interaction with a fan on Twitter recently. The “All In” rapper spoke on his desire to create an investment group specifically for black moneymakers. “I’m trying to start an investment group for the young black millionaires,” he typed. “We can run the world if we play it right !”

Amongst the many replies, One Twitter follower took an unexpected approach. “Man you better be [eyes emoji] out for that rico everybody keep talking about,” they said.

Lil Baby had a swift and unconcerned response. “Only god can judge me”

Indeed, there have been rumors of record label 4PF being next on the chopping block for RICO charges. RICO, Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, is a piece of federal law specifically meant to take down criminal organizations. The fan’s concern isn’t that far-fetched. In May, Young Thug, Gunna, and 26 men associated with the label YSL were arrested on such charges. The RICO warning has some validity, with 4PF similarly being an ATL-based rap group with documented police run-ins.

Big Changes 

Of course, Lil Baby isn’t publicly panicking. But when looking at his most prominent team stars, both are currently in some hot water with the police already. Rylo Rodriguez went under arrest last year after violating his probation for some prior firearm and drug possession charges. The 28-year-old spent over a month in prison with no bond before his October release. In the same token, labelmate 42 Dugg was arrested this year for failing to serve a six-month sentence. The court found the “We Paid” rapper guilty of firearm possession last November and simply never reported to the federal prison. Now, he’s facing up to five years.

The District Attorney from Fulton County, which includes ATL, recently confirmed that more RICO cases are coming. Fani Willis, famous for her no-nonsense attitude, told an interviewer that 2 more cases would appear in the next 60 days.

https://twitter.com/KameronBennett/status/1547753017553743873

While she didn’t provide explicit details on these cases, most are assuming they’re also rap groups. Georgia prosecutors have shown they’re not afraid to use song lyrics as a smoking gun, so artists might have to tread lightly for now.

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Dreema Carrington|Itring G: @dr3amgirl79 | Twitter: @notdreema

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Footage Of Gunna Speaking To Godson On Video Call Circulates Social Media

gunna

In the first video footage since his imprisonment, Gunna was seen talking to his godson via video call. The clip of their conversation surfaced earlier this weekend, with the rapper showing all smiles.

“He’s like, what’s going on?”, one of the women on the call said. Gunna’s godson may have been speaking on the strange circumstances surrounding his godfather’s arrest. “Sounds like a real playa doe,” Gunna responded.

Though the clip was brief, fans can rest assured that the “Pushin P” artist is doing his best to keep his spirits up.

 

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A post shared by DJ Akademiks (@akademiks)


It’s been somewhat quiet on Gunna’s end since the Atlanta native was arrested alongside Young Thug and others on a 56 count indictment earlier this year. However, a photo of the artist surfaced online after his bond was denied for the second time. Some fans expressed their concern over his appearance.

During that time, reports also began floating around that a nurse was caught smuggling drugs into the Fulton County Jail for Gunna. However, the rapper’s attorney, Steve Sadow, was quick to shut the rumors down.

“None of the allegations made today, these so-called new allegations, are accurate,” Sadow said in a statement. He also issued a statement on behalf of Gunna’s parents.

“All they’re looking for is their son to get a fair shake, and they don’t think that’s happening so far,” he said.

A Recap Of Gunna’s Situation

According to a report published early in July, Gunna is expected to remain in jail until January 2023. He has also been denied bond twice, with the latest instance occurring in May. That month, the rapper pled not guilty in response to his racketeering charge.

In June, Gunna issued a statement via Instagram on his circumstances, in an effort to push back against the alleged “ugly and untrue” image being painted of him. He also spoke out against the usage of rap lyrics as evidence in criminal cases.

As coverage of the case has grown, so has support for the Protect Black Art petition. The petition aims to protect artists from having their lyrics used against them in court.

 

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Written by Olan Bryant

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Cherry Juice

DJ Drama Reflects On Getting Arrested 15 Years Ago For Selling Illegal Mixtapes And Defeating RICO Charges

dj drama

Philadelphia native Tyree Simmons, known as DJ Drama, posted a tweet on Tuesday morning, July 12, reflecting on his victory in the RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) case in 2007.

“I REALLY got hit wit the R.I.C.O.  (and won),” he said.

DJ Drama and Don Cannon, co-founders of Generation Now, were arrested and raided at AMG Headquarters recording studio in downtown Atlanta on Jan. 16, 2007, for selling counterfeit mixtapes.

DJ Drama Is Informed That Something Bad Is About to Occur

During an interview with Shawn Cotton, creator of the YouTube channel Say Cheese!, Drama discusses how a friend whose family is associated with law enforcement called him and informed him that the authorities were heading to the recording studio to conduct a raid. At the time, there was little reaction from Drama.

“I’m thinking it’s a mixed up. I’m like all right good looking, thanks for the heads up,” he said. “But you know there’s a studio next door and I’m thinking something’s going on over there. They’re not coming over here.”

Eventually, Drama returned to the office to tell one of the employees, Jason Brown, about the phone call he received. Brown immediately grabbed all the computer discs and hurried out of the building. While Drama stepped outside the building to move his car out of the parking lot, law enforcement abruptly surrounded him.

“I see black tahoes from every corner just pulling up onto the pavement and they just jump right out,” Drama said. “Like whole outfits on M16s drawn pointing right at me.”

Confiscation

Moreover, police informed Drama and Cannon they were being arrested for bootlegging and racketeering under RICO laws. They raided the building and asked the employees where the drugs and guns were located, but neither were found. However, Billboard reports that the police seized 81,000 mixtape CDs, studio equipment, hard drives, Drama’s bank accounts were frozen, and much more.

DJ Drama and Don Cannon Face Betrayal

Furthermore, neither Don nor Drama spent more than one night in jail. The following day, they were able to post bail of $100,000 each.

It was shocking for Drama to learn that the RIAA was involved in their arrest. Since this organization has a long-standing association with Drama and has made millions of dollars from his Gangsta Grillz creation, this felt like a breach of trust.

“Here these people are supplying me with music and you know these labels are paying me to do this thing,” Drama said in an interview with 247HH. “Then you know they come and raid me for the same reason they thanked me on the other end.”

There are many artists whose careers have been launched by DJ Drama. Sadly, he and Cannon were stabbed in the back by an organization that seemed to be trustworthy. This, however, allows you to determine who is genuinely interested in your well-being.

Written by Nikiya Biggs

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