Atlanta Rapper Gunna Denied Bail In RICO Case

Photo credit: Fulton County Sheriff's Office

Atlanta rapper Gunna will have to remain behind bars for more than six months after a Fulton County judge denied him bail on Monday, May 23, 2022.

Gunna, whose real name is Sergio Giavanni Kitchens, is accused of being part of a gang.

Prosecutors say the rapper’s musical associates, who collectively call themselves YSL (Young Slime Life), is a criminal operation. In court, the State alleged that Gunna serves in a “command” role in the organization.

When Is Gunna’s Trial Set?

The judge set a trial date for January 9, 2023, for Gunna to face the charges. There’s a lot that can happen in that timespan so more legal developments could very well prompt more changes.

Also facing RICO charges is YSL honcho Young Thug, real name is Jeffery Williams, who has been jailed for a few weeks now. The judge in the case has decided to postpone judgment until June 2 on whether to let the rapper post bond.

Young Thug was arrested at his Buckhead mansion on May 9 and Gunna surrendered to authorities two days later after Fulton County officials issued a 56-page gang indictment. The document alleges the pair are a part of — and running — a criminal organization involved in some serious crimes, including murder.

What Is RICO?

A RICO case is one that involves charges of participation in organized crime and in this case specifically, street gang activity. Georgia’s RICO Act is more wide-ranging than the federal equivalent so there is more of a chance that the charges may stick.

RICO, the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, was made into law in 1970 as a way for the United States to fight organize crime.

The indictment also includes charges of conspiring to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, murder, armed robbery , participation in criminal street gang activity.

What Is Gunna Charged With?

Gunna is charged with a one count of conspiracy to violate Georgia’s RICO Act. Although 27 people are also charged in the case, Gunna and Young Thug are the two main targets.

What Is Young Thug Charged With?

Thug is facing a litany of charges besides the RICO counts including possession of a sawed-off shotgun, sawed-off rifle, machine gun, dangerous weapon, or silencer; possession of marijuana with intent to distribute; possession of a Schedule III, IV, or V controlled substance with intent to distribute; possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

This is a fast developing case. Stick with AtlantaFi.com for more news.


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Tee Johnson: Tee Johnson is the co-founder of AtlantaFi.com and as an unofficial ambassador of the city, she's a lover of all things Atlanta. She writes about Travel News, Events, Business, Hair Care (Wigs!) and Money.