Gunna‘s trial date in the high-profile Young Slime Life (YSL) crackdown has been set, with the “Pushin P” rapper being held behind bars for quite some time as he waits.
As Blavity previously reported, Gunna, Young Thug and 26 other associates were recently charged with violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. Gunna, whose government name is Sergio Kitchens, surrendered to authorities in the early hours of May 11.
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Mug shot of rapper Gunna, booked into Fulton County Jail on RICO charges. pic.twitter.com/MdwregzzVt— Kaitlyn Pratt (@Fox5Kaitlyn) May 11, 2022
There haven’t been many updates about Gunna, unlike Young Thug, whose attorneys previously blasted his alleged “dungeonlike” jail conditions.
However, news broke that the “How You Did That” rapper was officially denied bond early Monday morning. Gunna could remain in custody until his hearing, scheduled for Jan. 9, 2023.
While Gunna’s legal team could re-appeal for a bond, it seems as if prosecutors are set against keeping him behind bars. The prosecution has allegedly gone as far as to identify Gunna as a “documented” gang member who would “direct [YSL] troops” to enact violence, as he was supposedly in a “command” role alongside Young Thug.
Prosecutors said Gunna is a “documented” gang member and that he and Williams “direct their troops” to commit violent acts. The judge said his biggest concern was witness tampering.
Gunna’s attorney can file a renewed motion for bond at a later date.
— Jewel Wicker (@jewelwickershow) May 23, 2022
Gunna’s attorney, Steven Sadow, offered his take on the situation in a statement to Billboard.
“The court was obviously concerned about threats and intimidation of witnesses. We believe when the court hears evidence, not just the words of the prosecutor, it will find that Sergio’s release on bond will not, directly or indirectly, pose a significant risk to witnesses,” Sadow said. “We look forward to having an evidentiary hearing on this as soon as the court permits.”
Despite the allegations against YSL, many have come out to deny the organization’s allegations of gang involvement, including Metro Boomin.
“YSL is not a gang and never been a gang fool, YSL is a registered LLC and has provided countless jobs and opportunities for underprivileged Black people and really just all people cause that’s how big Thug heart is,” he tweeted.
It’s worth adding that Young Thug was allegedly supposed to appear in front of the judge on Monday as well, but his date got postponed.
