Atlanta Rapper Young Thug Denied Bond Again In Drugs, Gun And Gang Case

There's no relief for Atlanta rapper Young Thug as he was once again denied bond in a drugs, gun and gang case.

According to Rolling Stone, he was denied bond for a third time at a heated hearing. It was on Thursday that a Georgia judge denied bond for the rapper, who is one of nearly 30 people charged in a 65-count indictment. It alleges that he is the leader of a criminal street gang, reported ABC News.

A slew of outstanding motions in the case against the artist, whose real name is Jeffery Williams, was heard by Superior Court Judge Ural Glanville. Also charged in the racketeering and gang case is rapper Gunna, whose real name is Sergio Kitchens. The two men have been in prison since their arrests in May. XXL reported that the two men got to speak to each other during the court hearing, but they were warned to stop.

The rappers allegedly conspired to violate Georgia’s criminal racketeering law. But the indictment outlines more serious crimes that were allegedly carried out by Young Slime Life (YSL) associates. They range from drug possession to murder. Out of the 28 people charged, three remain at large. At least eight who are in custody still don't have lawyers, prosecutors told the judge.

Glanville is yet to grant bond to any of the defendants. He cited concerns about witness intimidation and the possibility that additional felonies might be committed ahead of a trial in January.

Williams’ lawyers have repeatedly asked that their client be allowed to await trial on house arrest and be given an ankle monitor. Williams appeared via video conferencing from the Cobb County jail. He smiled and blew kisses at his relatives gathered in the courtroom during breaks in Thursday’s proceedings.

Attorney Brian Steel told the judge that Williams is an "artist, a role model, a father and a son,” and he urged the rapper be released. But his request was denied for the third time. Glanville sided with prosecutors to keep the rapper behind bars.

In the wake of the rapper being denied bond, Steel issued a statement. He said that they are "totally focused on preparation for our upcoming trial and we remain steadfast in our efforts to defend Mr. Williams against these false allegations."