Update on Young Thug's co-defendants' pleas as the RICO trial drags on

The remaining two defendants in the YSL trial have not yet accepted plea agreements as the trial is expected to continue on Monday.

Deamonte Kendrick, also known as Yak Gotti, and Shannon Stillwell, also known as SB, face multiple charges of conspiracy to commit racketeering and engaging in criminal street gang activity, as well as drug and weapons violations.

Prosecutors allege that Kendrick and Stillwell were part of a gang called YSL.

They were originally in court along with Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffery Williams, and three other people. All four entered plea deals this week.

Williams was released from prison Thursday evening after being sentenced to prison and 15 years of probation.

After Williams was sentenced, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Paige Reese Whitaker spoke with prosecutors and the remaining defendants about the status of their plea agreements.

The state asked Kendrick to plead guilty to conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act and willful participation in street gang activity. They offered to reduce his murder charge to voluntary manslaughter. Under the agreement, the state would recommend that he be sentenced to 15 years in prison and five years of probation on all counts. He would serve the sentences concurrently.

The state would also agree not to prosecute Kendrick on the remaining charges he faces.

Stillwell was offered a sentence of 40 years in prison with 20 years probation. The two murder charges he faced would be reduced to voluntary manslaughter.

Both defendants face life sentences plus additional years in prison.

Kendrick and Stillwell have not yet accepted the state's offers.

Whitaker talked about what would happen if they rejected the plea deal.

“Of course, each of you has the right to continue the process. You know what you're doing. “You all have very capable attorneys representing you who obviously care deeply about each of you personally and presenting your best case,” Whitaker said. “But ultimately it’s up to the jury, and you can’t know what a jury is going to do.”

The state attempted to withdraw the offers in court. Whitaker questioned whether defense attorneys were given enough time to negotiate.

“Given that the State spent all day negotiating Mr. Williams' plea deal, which was ultimately unsuccessful, I do not know whether Mr. Weinstein or Mr. Schardt would have been able to negotiate with you today. “

Whitaker asked the state to keep the deal open for a while. Prosecutors said they would consult with Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis.

If Kendrick and Stillwell do not accept their plea deals, the trial is expected to continue Monday.

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