In a significant courtroom decision, Deamonte Kendrick, associated with rapper Young Thug, was cleared of all serious charges in a high-profile trial.

Kendrick, also known as Yak Gotti, was found not guilty on charges including murder, racketeering, and gang-related activities this Tuesday, as the Daily Mail reports.

The trial, one of the longest in Georgia’s history, began following a May 2022 indictment.

Kendrick was among over two dozen people charged under Georgia's stringent RICO Act, suspected of involvement with the alleged Young Slime Life (YSL) gang.

Accusations leveled against the group included participating in gang activity and committing violent crimes. However, the defense argued that YSL was a legitimate music label operation, challenging the criminal narrative.

Fulton County Trial Challenges High-Profile Defendants

The case drew significant attention due to its association with high-profile individuals, including the famed rapper Young Thug. His case concluded in October with a non-negotiated plea deal that led to his release.

During the trial, another co-defendant, Shannon Stillwell, was acquitted of murder and gang-related charges.

However, Stillwell was found guilty of a firearm possession charge, receiving a sentence of 10 years, which was mitigated to two years of probation accounting for time already served.

Judicial Disruptions Mar Proceedings

The proceedings were marked by disruptions, including the stabbing of defendants Kendrick and Stillwell, which added layers of complexity and security concerns to the trial.

Further complicating the trial was the replacement of the original judge overseeing the case.

Such changes added to the tumultuous atmosphere within the courtroom and prolonged the legal process.

Plea Deals and Setbacks for Willis

As the trial progressed, several defendants accepted plea deals, affecting the overall course of the prosecution.

These developments marked setbacks for Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who led the high-profile indictment.

Willis, facing other challenges in unrelated cases, including one involving President-elect Donald Trump, found her prosecutorial decisions under increased scrutiny.

Legal Outcomes and Future Implications

Judge Paige Reese Whitaker officially announced Kendrick's acquittal, stating, "Mr. Kendrick, you have been found not guilty on all charges." This verdict has significant implications for all parties involved.

Meanwhile, Young Thug's legal situation reached a resolution with a sentence that could extend up to 20 years, depending on his probation compliance.

Newsweek reported on his sentence: "He was sentenced to five years in prison, commuted to time served, and 15 years of probation, which will be followed up by 20 years in prison."

In other courtroom developments, Fulton County Judge Scott McAfee commented on another high-profile case involving Willis, noting that "State prosecutors didn't have the right to bring those charges," which led to the dismissal of charges against Trump. This has raised questions about the broader implications of Willis' prosecutorial strategy.