ATLANTA - Attorneys for Deamonte Kendrick, who goes by the stage name Yak Gotti, have filed an emergency motion seeking bond for their client less than a week after being acquitted on all counts in the YSL RICO trial.
The motion, filed in Fulton County Superior Court on Monday, cited ongoing safety concerns at the Fulton County Jail and recent findings from the U.S. Department of Justice about the facility’s conditions. Kendrick has been in continuous custody since May 2022 and is requesting release on bond under conditions set by the court.
While in custody, Kendrick was charged on April 5, 2023, with possessing or providing prohibited items to an inmate. "But for his arrest on said case, Defendant would not have been in custody," the motion states.
During his time in custody, Kendrick experienced violence, including a stabbing incident on Dec. 1. His attorney, Kayla Bumpus, emphasized that Kendrick’s safety cannot be ensured in the jail. "It is evident that the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office cannot keep Mr. Kendrick safe," Bumpus wrote.
The motion references a Justice Department report released on Nov. 14, which condemned conditions at the Fulton County Jail. The report detailed systemic issues, including pest infestations, malnourishment, and a high risk of violence among incarcerated individuals. The DOJ concluded that these conditions are unconstitutional and unlawful, stating:
"People incarcerated in the Fulton County Jail suffered harm from pest infestation and malnourishment and were put at substantial risk of serious harm from violence by other incarcerated people — including homicides, stabbings, and sexual abuse. The unconstitutional and unlawful conditions at the Fulton County Jail have persisted for far too long."
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Fulton County DA to set trial for remain YSL defendants
Now that the longest criminal trial in Georgia history is over, Fulton County prosecutors want to move forward with trials for the five remaining YSL defendants. the district attorney's office filed a motion Friday asking to set the trial date for February 24.
In the motion, Kendrick’s legal team argues that their client poses no threat to the community, witnesses, or property and has no reason to contact victims or witnesses. The motion emphasizes Kendrick’s local ties, including substantial family connections in Georgia. His attorneys assured the court that if granted bond, Kendrick would comply with all conditions, including appearing for all future court dates, avoiding criminal activity, and remaining within the court’s jurisdiction.
Bumpus urged the court to act promptly, citing Kendrick’s extended time in custody and the recent attack on him. "The conditions at the jail and the threats to Mr. Kendrick’s safety makes his continued detention untenable," she stated.
A hearing in the matter is scheduled for Dec. 17.
The Source: Fulton County Superior Court records and previous FOX 5 Atlanta reports were used for this article.