FULTON COUNTY, Ga. - Atlanta rapper Yak Gotti, whose real name is Deamonte Kendrick, has hired new lawyers in hopes they can help secure his release from jail.
Kendrick was arrested in May 2022 alongside Grammy-winning artist Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffery Williams. They were among 27 individuals indicted on charges including violations of Georgia's RICO (racketeering) law.
A Tumultuous Trial
After 10 months of jury selection, the trial for Williams, Kendrick, and four others began in November 2023. The proceedings were marked by numerous challenges, including the dismissal of the original judge, the arrests of a juror and a lawyer, an attempted drug transfer in court, difficult and reluctant witnesses, numerous mistrial motions, and attacks on defendants while in jail.
Plea Deals and Verdicts
Nearly two years after their arrests, some defendants began accepting plea deals. On Oct. 31, 2024, Williams entered a non-negotiated plea and was released from jail, albeit with strict conditions, including a ban from Atlanta and a requirement to complete hundreds of hours of community service.
The remaining two defendants, Kendrick and Shannon Stillwell, refused plea deals. They were ultimately acquitted of the most serious charges—racketeering and murder. Stillwell was released soon after, but Kendrick remained jailed on other charges.
Emergency Bond Motion
In December, Kendrick’s former lawyer, Kayla Bumpus, filed an emergency bond motion citing dangerous conditions at Fulton County Jail, as detailed in a U.S. Department of Justice report. The report highlighted issues such as pest infestations, malnourishment, and high risks of violence. Kendrick himself was stabbed on Dec. 1, requiring stitches on his head.
On Dec. 17, a judge delayed ruling on the bond motion due to an outstanding warrant, rescheduling a decision for February.
New Lawyers and Court Appearance
Kendrick’s new lawyers, Bruce Harvey and Nicole Westmoreland, appeared in court on Jan. 8, though no action appears to have been taken. The reasons remain unclear, and FOX 5 Atlanta is attempting to obtain more information.
Both attorneys played key roles in the first YSL trial. They previously represented Quamarvious Nichols, who accepted a plea deal in October for a racketeering charge, resulting in a 20-year sentence with seven years served.
Attorney Doug Weinstein has previously represented Yak Gotti and posted about their hiring on TikTok.
Remaining Defendants
Over a dozen individuals have accepted plea deals, while charges were dropped for six others. However, five defendants are still awaiting trial. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has proposed a trial date of Feb. 24, expecting it to last about three months.
Remaining Defendants and Charges
Damekion Garlington (Dee or SXarefaxe)
- Charges: Conspiracy to violate RICO, attempted murder, gang activity, murder, firearm possession.
Demise McMullen (Nard)
- Charges: Conspiracy to violate RICO, murder (2015 case).
Tenquarius Mender (Nard or Stunner)
- Charges: Conspiracy to violate RICO, possession of a weapon and telecommunication device in jail, gang activity.
Christian Eppinger (Bhris)
- Charges: Conspiracy to violate RICO, armed robbery, attempted murder, gang activity, firearm possession.
Miles Farley (Slato or Lil Miles)
- Status: Granted bond despite murder charge.
- Charges: Conspiracy to violate RICO, murder, gang activity, firearm possession.