In a dramatic twist to the longest criminal case in Georgia history, US rapper Young Thug was released from prison on Thursday evening after pleading guilty to gang, drug and weapons charges.

The 33-year-old Grammy winner, born Jeffery Lamar Williams, has spent no more than 900 days behind bars since my arrest on racketeering and gang-related charges.

In May 2022, prosecutors allege that the rap label was at the front of an organized crime syndicate responsible for “75% to 80% of violent crime” in Atlanta.

E bin was sentenced to prison and 15 years of supervised release on Thursday, and jail records show they were to be released later that night.

“I take full responsibility for my crimes and accusations,” Mr Williams told the court.

“We really had something to do with this situation, I want to apologize.”

In a five-minute conversation, I describe myself as a “good guy with a good heart” and find myself “into a lot of things because I’m just nice or cool.”

“And when you get to a certain height, because you end up bad… and you fall over, I understand you saying you’re not cut out for it.”

Prosecutors plan to recommend a sentence of 45 years in prison, with 25 years in custody and 20 years on probation.

But plea negotiations failed and Superior Court Judge Paige Whitaker opted for the sentence instead, commuting the sentence to time I had not already served, and we cleared the way for release.

“I want you to try to be more of a solution and less of a problem,” Judge Whitaker told me.

As part of the deal, Mr. Williams pleaded guilty to one gang charge, three drug charges and two weapons charges.

I am also entering a no-contest plea to leading a gang and violating the State Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (Rico) Act, meaning I have decided not to contest those charges and accept sentencing for them.

Judge Whitaker also mandates 100 hours of community service, a ban on contact with gang members or former defendants, and a ban on remaining in the Atlanta metropolitan area for the first 10 years of the 15-year probation except in special circumstances – including weddings, funerals, and anti-gang and anti-gun presentations. It needs to be hosted four times a year.

Thursday’s plea change brought an end to a multi-defendant trial that had suffered multiple delays, courtroom confusion and mistrial requests.

The man known to his fans as “Thugger” was arrested in May 2022, prosecutors charged me and 27 of his employees with conspiring with Im rap label Young Stoner Life (YSL) Records to violate the Rico Act. for mafia cases.

It is alleged that YSL actually represents a criminal gang called Young Slime Life; The men, including rap superstar Gunna, have been linked to numerous serious crimes, including murder, armed robbery and car theft on various streets of Atlanta.

But the indictment caused much talk about prosecutors using YSL rap lyrics as evidence of gang activity and criminal intent. Critics argue that these accusations violate di rappers’ freedom of expression and are part of a growing attack on a black-dominated art form.

Some of Mr. Williams’s co-defendants take plea deals or have their cases cut, with one even dropping charges after an unrelated murder conviction – leaving only six defendants remaining when the trial begins.

Jury selection will begin in January 2023 and last approximately 10 months.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Ural Glanville held an “improper” meeting on June 10 after meeting privately with prosecutors and a key witness, attorneys said.

Judge Glanville allegedly tries to pressure the witness to testify, and the attorneys pressure me to recuse myself, but the judge denies these requests.

Respondents also found that Mr Williams’ lead lawyer, Brian Steel, was facing criminal contempt after refusing to disclose how he would have come to know about the meeting in June this year.

The hearing also noted several unusual events, including the arrest of a Fulton County deputy for allegedly attempting to smuggle contraband into the defendant.

For example, in court, the Zoom account was hacked by a supporter of Mr Williams and shouted “free Thug!” they shouted.

Earlier this week, three of Mr. Williams’ co-defendants in the case entered into plea deals.

It has been reported that the remaining two defendants in the case, Shannon Stillwell and Deamonte Kendrick, plan to continue with the lawsuits.