Rapper Young Thug, who has been jailed since May, was hit with new street racing charges, according to reports.
In addition to RICO charges related to criminal street gang activity, Thugger, real name Jeffery Williams, is also charged with street racing, reckless driving and speeding.
The Fulton County district attorney’s office filed the new charges against the 31-year-old rapper for driving a vehicle at 120 mph on Interstate 85 in May. The new charges are misdemeanors, WSB-TV reported.
Brian Steel, an attorney for Young Thug, said his client is innocent of all the charges, including the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) and participation in a criminal street gang charge.
Steel suggested that Young Thug is being railroaded by the justice system.
“As of two weeks ago, that case was being resolved with a seatbelt violation,” Steel said. “Today, now its indicted in the Fulton County Superior Court. He is being wronged by our system.”
Steel said Young Thug looks forward to proving his innocence in court. His trial is set to begin on Jan. 5, 2023.
Steel also released a statement from the jailed rapper about the recent shooting deaths of two juvenile gang bangers near Atlantic Station last month. 12-year-old Zyion Charles and 15-year-old Cameron Jackson were killed in a gang-related shooting.
“The effects of gun violence on individual and communities in Atlanta runs deep with many more families having to mourn their loved ones,” Young Thug said in his statement. “We have to make our community safe. I vow to use my influence to help stop the violence in Atlanta, and around the world.”
Two boys, ages 15 and 16, were arrested last week in the Atlantic Station shooting. A third boy, 16, was later taken into custody, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said in a press briefing on Monday.
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