Trontavious Stephens resumed testifying on the 15th day of the high-stakes RICO trial against Atlanta rapper Young Thug and five collaborators. After a three-week hiatus in December, Young Thug and his co-defendants face charges for allegedly running Atlanta’s most violent street gang, YSL (Young Slime Life). Prosecutors argue that YSL is not just a record label and lifestyle brand, but an active street gang. After 28 defendants were indicted, Young Thug and five co-defendants are on trial.
YSL co-founder back on the stand. “The testimony of Trontavious Stephens, despite its challenges, remains a pivotal element in unraveling the complexities of the alleged gang activities associated with Young Thug and his co-defendants.” – Lawyer.
Trontavious Stephens, known as “Tick” and “Slug,” testified again on Monday after a key role last week. Stephens, who co-founded YSL with Young Thug and Walter Murphy, was a prosecution witness after accepting a plea deal. His evidence has been hampered by ambiguity and memory loss.
According to his plea deal, Stephens must testify truthfully under oath without claiming the Fifth Amendment. His current evidence focused on supposed gang signs and gestures used by YSL to convey real-life gang activities. Stephens’ uncooperative and occasionally obstinate comments have hampered the State’s efforts to obtain precise information notwithstanding the plea arrangement.
The 30-year-old witness said he missed key information of Lil Wayne’s 2015 tour bus shooting off a Georgia freeway. Stephens also claimed ignorance of “snitch” and its definition.
Stephens faced a 20-year sentence on a single RICO conviction before accepting the plea deal. He received a 10-year sentence with two years served and the rest on probation.
There were charges against Young Thug, Marquavius Huey, Deamonte “Yak Gotti” Kendrick, Quamarvious Nichols, Rodalius Ryan, and Shannon Stillwell in Fulton County in 2022 for breaking the Georgia Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. For each racketeering plot conviction and two gang offenses, Young Thug could get five to twenty years in prison. If he is charged with more crimes, he could get longer sentences.
Young Thug’s destiny hangs in the balance as viewers watch the trial.
Trontavious Stephens’ selective recall and seeming ignorance of certain concepts have complicated the trial. Stephens’ refusal to offer details has hampered the State’s efforts to link Young Thug to gang activity.
Stephens risked a hefty jail sentence before testifying as part of his plea deal. He cannot invoke the Fifth Amendment because his agreement requires him to answer truthfully under oath. His responses and the prosecution’s difficulties show the sensitivity of using a gang co-founder as a key witness.
As Young Thug and his associates go on trial, the allegations ignite discussions about how the hip-hop business shapes criminality. The prosecution calls YSL a dangerous street gang, while the defense calls it a musical company and lifestyle brand. Thus, the trial examines music, culture, and criminal charges.
The 28-person Young Thug case has been reduced to six defendants charged with Georgia RICO Act violations. The influential rapper’s trial is high-stakes due to the potential penalties, including prison time.
A case that investigates Young Thug and his accomplices’ suspected criminal activity and hip-hop’s identity and portrayal has left observers and fans on edge.
