Young Thug, YSL Rico Trial: Co-defendant takes plea deal, receives sentence
Co-defendant takes plea deal in YSL RICO trial
More twists and turns in the YSL RICO trial. A Fulton County Superior Court judge is still deciding whether to declare a mistrial after a witness read something he should not have while testifying last week. Days after that incident, one of the six defendants on trial took a plea deal.
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. - After several days of speculation and plea negotiations, Quamarvious Nichols, 29, has accepted a plea deal in the YSL RICO trial in Fulton County.
On Tuesday afternoon, it was announced that all charges against Nichols, except one, including a murder charge, would be dropped in exchange for his guilty plea to a RICO (racketeering) charge.
Nichols was originally charged with conspiracy to violate RICO; 1 count of murder (2022 murder of Shymel Drinks); 2 counts of participation in criminal street gang activity; 2 counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon previously convicted of a felony involving the use or possession of a firearm; and 2 counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
During the sentencing phase, defense attorney Bruce Harvey made an impassioned plea for leniency. He highlighted Nichols' difficult childhood, his role as a husband and father of three, and his potential for a positive future.
Judge Paige Reese Whitaker then agreed to the negotiated deal of 20 years in prison with 7 years to be served and the balance on probation. Judge Whitaker expressed her sympathy for Nichols' troubled upbringing and told him to view the sentence as a "birthday gift" since he is about to turn 30. Following the sentencing, Nichols was taken into custody. He will receive credit for time served, which is 31 months.
Plea Deal Progress and Courtroom Disruptions
Earlier in the day, it became apparent that Nichols was taking the plea deal. Before the announcement, Judge Whitaker admonished two bloggers for recording inside the courtroom during restricted times. As a result, she instructed them to remain in the media room going forward, indicating that the trial is expected to continue.
Additionally, defense attorney Doug Weinstein, representing Deamonte Kendrick, requested his client be present in court to witness Nichols' plea deal. Weinstein posted on social media earlier in the day, asserting that Kendrick was wrongly accused and vowed to continue the fight.
Judge Whitaker apologized for the disruptions and called for a brief recess before proceedings resumed.
Delays and Developments
Court proceedings had already experienced delays throughout Monday and Tuesday. On Monday, the public and media were kept out of the courtroom as the district attorney's office discussed potential plea deals with defense attorneys. Courtroom doors remained closed on Tuesday morning until Nichols' plea deal was finalized.
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Judge Whitaker previously dismissed attendees on Monday at 3:30 p.m., instructing them to return at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, only for proceedings to be delayed again.
At this time, it is unknown if any other defendants will be taking plea deals. It is believed that more than one defense team has been negotiating with prosecutors on behalf of their clients.
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Ongoing YSL RICO Trial
The trial, which includes Young Thug—whose real name is Jeffery Williams—and multiple co-defendants, has faced numerous challenges. Last week, defense attorneys requested a mistrial after a witness accidentally mentioned a hashtag implicating one of the defendants. Many people believed that more defendants would be making deals with the state and Judge Whitaker would finally be granting a mistrial.
Here are the remaining defendants, including Jeffery Williams:
Jeffery Williams (Young Thug or Slime): Conspiracy to violate RICO, 2 counts of participation in criminal street gang activity, 3 counts of violation of the Georgia Controlled Substances Act, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and possession of a machine gun.
Marquavius Huey (Qua): Conspiracy to violate RICO, 3 counts of armed robbery, 4 counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, 4 counts of possession of a firearm during commission of a felony, hijacking a motor vehicle in the first degree, 4 counts of participation in criminal street gang activity, possession of a weapon by an incarcerated individual, and possession of a telecommunication device by an incarcerated individual.
Deamonte Kendrick (Yak Gotti): Conspiracy to violate RICO, murder (2015 murder of Donovan Thomas), participation in criminal street gang activity, 3 counts of violation of the Georgia Controlled Substances Act, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of a machine gun, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon previously convicted of a felony involving the use or possession of a firearm.
Rodalius Ryan (Lil Rod): Conspiracy to violate RICO. Currently serving life in prison for the 2019 murder of Jamari Holmes.
Shannon Stillwell (Shannon Jackson or SB): Conspiracy to violate RICO, 2 counts of murder (2015 murder of Donovan Thomas Jr. and 2022 murder of Shymel Drinks), 2 counts of participation in criminal street gang activity, 2 counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon previously convicted of a felony involving the use or possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
Young Thug and 27 others were indicted in 2022 for violating Georgia's RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) law and committing multiple violent crimes. Following the longest jury selection in history (10 months), the trial for Young Thug and several co-defendants began in November 2023. It is now the longest trial in Georgia history. Prosecutors are attempting to prove that YSL (Young Slime Life) is a criminal street gang responsible for numerous offenses, including murder. The defendants maintain that YSL stands for Young Stoner Life and is the name of a record label founded by Young Thug. Young Thug is facing eight criminal charges. The trial has been plagued by various disruptions, including illnesses, the arrests of a juror and a lawyer, the stabbing of defendant Shannon Stillwell, the removal of the judge originally assigned to the case, and more.