CNN —The prosecution began opening statements Monday morning in the racketeering trial of Grammy-winning rapper Young Thug, who is accused of leading a violent street gang in the Atlanta area affiliated with the national Bloods gang.
Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffery Williams, was charged alongside more than two dozen other people under the state’s expansive Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act – known as RICO.
Young Thug is among six defendants who have pleaded not guilty to all charges and are standing trial in an Atlanta courtroom, the judge said Monday.
Prosecutors say Young Thug is the cofounder of a criminal street gang – Young Slime Life – that’s responsible for violent acts dating back a decade.
The trial is expected to last months and could feature a star-studded list of witnesses, including rappers Lil Wayne and Killer Mike.
Persons:
Young Thug, Young, Jeffery Williams, Fani Willis, Donald Trump, Gunna, –, Brian Steel, Thug, “, ’, Willis, Trump’s, that’s, Steel, “ Jeffery, ”, he’s, Camila Cabello, ” Travis Scott, Drake, Childish Gambino, Ludwig Göransson, Marquavius Huey, Deamonte Kendrick, Gotti, Quamarvious Nichols, Rodalius Ryan, Shannon Stillwell, Lil Wayne, Mike
Organizations:
CNN, Bloods, Judge Ural Glanville, Prosecutors, WXIA
Locations:
Atlanta, Fulton County, Fulton, “ Havana