The Young Thug/YSL Rico trial is proceeding with a new judge and new rules.
Young Thug trials to resume in August with new judge and new rules
A new judge has taken over the now-postponed Young Thug/YSL RICO trial. Fulton County Superior Court Judge Paige Reese Whitaker held an attorney-only hearing on Friday (July 19) to review the status of the ongoing case and establish new rules for the continuation of the trial.
Judge Whitaker stepped in after Judge Shukula Ingram recused herself from the case. The decision came after Judge Ingram filed a motion disclosing her previous court-related relationship with one of the co-defendants involved in the YSL trial.
“I want to move forward efficiently and quickly,” Judge Whitaker told attorneys during the hearing, Rolling Stone reported. The judge also acknowledged that she “parachuted” without following the case.
Still, Judge Whitaker laid down some ground rules for what is now an 18-month trial. The rules are:
• Court begins at 8:45 a.m. and ends at 6 p.m. each day.
• No snacking or eating in court unless the day is longer than expected and they have to work until lunch/dinner.
• The defendant cannot use headphones (AirPods) during the trial.
• Defendants will no longer be provided with additional wardrobes (five outfits per defendant).
• Courtesy is required between attorneys in court and disruptions are kept to a minimum.
• There are no gaps between witnesses. The state needs to produce its next witness immediately.
During the hearing, Judge Whittaker also said the return of the jury to the trial could be delayed until sometime in August.
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Two judges recused in Young Thug/YSL RICO case
Judge Whitaker is the third judge to handle the Young Thug/YSL RICO case. She replaces Judge Shukula Ingram, who recused himself last Thursday (July 17).
Judge Ingram initially replaced Judge Ural Granville who was dismissed on Monday (July 15). Glanville has presided over the case from the beginning, but faced challenges when Young Thug’s defense team raised concerns about contentious one-sided meetings he hosted. The meeting involved key prosecution witness Kenneth “Lil Woody” Copeland and the prosecution, but without the defense present. This resulted in the dismissal of Judge Glanville, who was subsequently replaced by Judge Ingram.
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Watch the Law & Crime trial video below about the new judge and the status of the Young Thug/YSL RICO trial.
