On Wednesday, July 10, 2024, 11 Alive reported that prosecutors filed a response in the ongoing YSL RICO trial against rapper Young Thug and his co-defendants. The lengthy case has seen many twists and turns over its course, with the latest development being the defense’s attempt to have Judge Ural Glanville recused from presiding over the trial.

In their written response, prosecutors argued that the information provided by the defense did not warrant Judge Glanville’s removal from the case. They stated that for a judge to be disqualified, any alleged bias must stem from external factors unrelated to their participation in the case itself. Prosecutors also noted that evidence would need to show the judge having a “bent of mind” that could potentially impede their impartiality.

The defense motion stemmed from a meeting regarding witness Kenneth Copeland that took place on June 10th between prosecutors, Copeland and his attorney. Copeland had been held in contempt for refusing to testify under an immunity agreement. During the private meeting, prosecutors informed Copeland’s lawyer of emails threatening to pull out of the case. While a stand-in attorney for Copeland was present, no legal counsel for the defendants was invited.

Defense attorney Brian Steel argued this ex parte meeting irreparably corrupted Judge Glanville. However, prosecutors refuted that none of the defendants had standing to be included, as the meeting only pertained to Copeland’s contempt proceedings. They maintained such communications for those with legal interests are common.

Steel has since doubled down, requesting both a mistrial and Judge Glanville’s removal on the basis of prejudice against Young Thug. He alleged misconduct by Judge Glanville, prosecutors, and others that denied his client a fair trial. The issue of recusal is currently being reviewed by Judge Rachel Krause, though she denied Steel’s bid to keep all Fulton County judges off the decision.

Prosecutors have attached emails from their correspondence with Copeland’s lawyer to their response. As the case and related motions continue dragging on, questions over judicial impartiality and fairness of proceedings remain at the forefront of this complex trial targeting Young Thug and his YSL record label. A decision on recusal still hangs in the balance, nearly two years since charges were originally brought.

 

 

Source: 11 Alive