...
By Jenna Sundel
News Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Young Thug's lawyer responded to an attempt by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis to revoke the rapper's probation on Thursday.
Willis filed a motion to revoke the probation of Jeffery Williams, who uses the stage name Young Thug, on Wednesday. She accused Williams of showing a "blatant disregard for the law, the safety of witnesses, and the integrity of judicial proceedings."
Brian Steel, Williams' attorney, said the state failed to show any conduct that violated the terms of his probation.
Read More on News
"Mr. Williams can admit to all of the allegations alleged and still not have violated any terms of his probationary sentence," Steel wrote in his response.
Why It Matters
In October of last year, Williams pleaded guilty to multiple charges and no contest to conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act and participation in criminal street gang activity.
He was sentenced to five years in prison commuted to time served and 15 years of probation, followed by 20 years in prison that will be commuted to time served if Williams complies with the terms of his probation.
Williams was on trial with several co-defendants for their alleged involvement in YSL, which prosecutors classified as a gang.
...
What To Know
Willis' motion focuses on a social media post that was reposted by Williams.
The post features an image of investigator Marissa Viverito, who testified at the YSL trial and is currently testifying in a multi-defendant gang murder preliminary hearing. The court ordered that Viverito cannot be shown while testifying at the hearing.
Willis said a blogger "deliberately violated" the order and shared a photo of Viverito with the caption, "She doesn't want to be shown on screen? Well, here she is."
Williams reposted the content on Tuesday with the text, "Marissa Viverito is the biggest liar in the DA's office."
Viverito's address and her parents' address were then publicly shared, and a post emerged threatening Willis' life. Willis said this was a "direct consequence" of the posts by the blogger and Williams.
"This is not an isolated incident—it is part of a calculated campaign of intimidation, harassment, and misinformation designed to undermine the legal process," Willis wrote.
She said that Georgia courts have previously revoked probation for people engaging in witness endangerment, obstruction of justice or threatening of public officials.
Steel argued that there is no evidence suggesting Williams was aware of the court's order to not show Viverito. He also said that his client's social media activity did not violate his probation, and the statements of others cannot be attributed to him.
Steel said the state makes "baseless" claims and poses an argument "without any substance."
Why Was Young Thug Arrested?
Williams was arrested in 2022 on gang, drug and gun charges.
Is Young Thug Going Back To Jail?
Williams remains on probation. The state is requesting a hearing to determine if the probation should be revoked or modified.
Steel asked the court to dismiss the motion without a hearing but added that Williams will be prepared if a hearing is needed.
Who Is Marissa Viverito?
Viverito is an investigative gang analyst with the Atlanta Police Department. She was the final witness called by the state in the YSL trial.
She previously worked for the Fulton County District Attorney's Office, Georgia Department of Community Supervision and Georgia Department of Corrections, according to her LinkedIn.
What Are Young Thug's Probation Terms?
Williams' probation has several conditions, including that he must stay away from the Atlanta metro area for the first 10 years of his probation, with the exception of attending a wedding, funeral or graduation of immediate family or dealing with a serious illness within his immediate family.
He is also required to go to the Atlanta area four times a year during his probation to give an anti-gang and anti-gun presentation at a school, Boys and Girls Club or similar organization.
What People Are Saying
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, in a motion to revoke probation: "The Defendant's probation should be immediately revoked to prevent further harm, ensure compliance with the law, and send a clear message that witness intimidation and threats against public officials will not be tolerated."
Attorney Brian Steel, in a response: "Taken in the light most favorable to the prosecution's allegations in the Motion to Revoke Probation, this Honorable Court could not find as a matter of fact and/or law that Mr. Williams violated any term of his sentence."
What Happens Next
The judge has yet to rule on the prosecution's motion.
Do you have a story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact LiveNews@newsweek.com.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines