Judge Approves Return of Young Thug's Seized Property After YSL Trial
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
A judge ordered that possessions seized from Young Thug during the YSL trial be returned, allowing the rapper to regain several vehicles, cash and assorted jewelry.
Fulton County Superior Court Judge Paige Whitaker on Monday ruled in favor of a defense motion regarding the items, which included $149,426 in cash, a 2022 Chevrolet Corvette, 2022 Porsche 911 and 2018 Lamborghini Aventador.
The state can appeal the ruling.
Why It Matters
Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffery Williams, and 27 others were indicted in 2022 on charges related to racketeering conspiracy and participation in criminal street gang activity, along with drug and gun violations. Prosecutors alleged that the defendants were associated with the gang YSL, or Young Slime Life.
Young Thug performs during the Summer Smash Music Festival on June 22, 2025, in Bridgeview, Illinois.
Young Thug performs during the Summer Smash Music Festival on June 22, 2025, in Bridgeview, Illinois.
Photo by Rob Grabowski/Invision/AP
What To Know
Prior to the hearing, Williams' lawyers filed a motion to dismiss the forfeiture complaint related to the seized property. The lawyers claimed in the motion obtained by FOX 5 Atlanta that prosecutors failed to hold a hearing within 60 days of a court order lifting a stay on the forfeiture proceedings.
Prosecutors argued in a response that Williams' lawyers had requested a continuance of a hearing in May and did not oppose the new date until the filing of the motion to dismiss.
In October 2024, Williams pleaded guilty to most charges but pleaded no contest to conspiracy to violate the RICO Act and participation in criminal street gang activity. His plea deal ended his part of the YSL trial, which began in November 2023. He was sentenced to five years in prison commuted to time served and 15 years' probation, followed by 20 years in prison, and released. The backloaded prison sentence will be commuted if Williams complies with the terms of his probation.
What People Are Saying
Fulton County Deputy District Attorney Jeff DiSantis, in a statement sent to FOX 5 Atlanta: "While we are gratified that the defendant will not be receiving gang-related jewelry back, we are perplexed that Judge Whitaker dismissed the case based on a timeline requested by defense counsel and a date the court set for trial."
Leigh Ann Webster, attorney for Jeffery Williams, on X: "Done & done! We got all of his stuff back. But to be clear, even if we had gotten to the merits, we should have won that too. It was such a thrill to work with Brian Steel on this, the best lawyer around. A true honor that he let me join the team."
What Happens Next
DiSantis said the Fulton County District Attorney's Office is "evaluating the case now for possible appeal considering that strange procedural history."
Do you have a story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact LiveNews@newsweek.com.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
2 hours ago
- Newsweek
Marjorie Taylor Greene Takes Aim at Trump Administration Over Visa Change
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia ripped the Trump administration on Tuesday after the State Department announced that it would no longer issue visas to Palestinian children in need of medical care amid Israel's relentless bombardment of the Gaza Strip. Why It Matters Greene has been a vocal critic of the Trump administration's policy vis-à-vis Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza, which has killed more than 60,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry. She recently became the first Republican lawmaker to refer to Israel's military assault on the besieged territory as a "genocide," amid allegations that the Israeli government's actions and ongoing blockade of humanitarian aid have led to widespread starvation in Gaza. GOP Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene speaks with reporters at the U.S. Capitol on July 22. GOP Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene speaks with reporters at the U.S. Capitol on July 22. Francis Chung/POLITICO via AP Images What To Know Greene torched the State Department in a lengthy social media post on Tuesday, singling out two recent developments related to Israel's Gaza policy and the arrest and subsequent release of an Israeli official charged with soliciting sex electronically from a minor. "Two recent decisions made by the State Department both involve children," Greene wrote on X. "We need to be the America that allows war torn children to come here for life saving surgeries and the America that never releases a foreign child sex predator that our great [law enforcement officials] caught. But in this circumstance those war torn children are from Gaza and this foreign child sex predator is from Israel and works directly for [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu]." The State Department has denied that the U.S. government played any role in the release of Tom Artiom Alexandrovich, a senior official in Israel's National Cyber Directorate. Alexandrovich was among eight people charged last week after a sting operation "targeting child sex predators," the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department announced. Reuters, citing Israeli media reports, said Alexandrovich was released and is back in Israel, facing a felony sex crime charge. "Would it be antisemitic to drag Netanyahu's Cyber Executive Director back and prosecute this pos to the full extent of the law and at the same time let Palestinian kids who had their limbs and bodies blown apart receive surgeries in America?" Greene wrote on social media. "I'm not saying bring in refugees or use tax payer dollars, not at all, but when did America's heart grow so cold to refuse innocent children privately funded surgeries and then they return home after they recover?" she added. "Wouldn't we allow Israeli children if they were the ones needing surgery? Or war torn children from any other country?" The State Department announced on Saturday that it will halt all visitor visas for people from Gaza, saying it's pausing the program to carry out a "full and thorough review of the process and procedures" used to grant the "medical-humanitarian" visas. The Trump administration's decision came after a social media campaign from far-right extremist and social media influencer Laura Loomer, who accused the humanitarian group HEAL Palestine, without evidence, of "mass importing GAZANS into the US" under the "false claim" of humanitarian aid. Loomer's allegations centered around the Ohio-based organization's announcement on August 4 that 11 critically injured children, ages 6 to 15, had arrived in the U.S. for medical care. Greene, who has spread misinformation and antisemitic conspiracy theories in the past, accused the U.S. of being "subservient" to Israel on Tuesday, writing: "And the most concerning question is when and how did America become so subservient to Israel that we immediately release a CHILD SEX PREDATOR after arrest, with a 100% locked up case with evidence, and let him off to fly back home to Israel??" "Would we do that with a Mexican child sex predator? Chinese child sex predator? Any other country's child sex predator?" she wrote. "I know God does not discriminate in his love for children. Why would we?" What People Are Saying The State Department wrote on X Monday: "The Department of State is aware that Tom Artiom Alexandrovich, an Israeli citizen, was arrested in Las Vegas and given a court date for charges related to soliciting sex electronically from a minor. He did not claim diplomatic immunity and was released by a state judge pending a court date. Any claims that the U.S. government intervened are false." Loomer wrote on X: The "Trump administration needs to shut this abomination down ASAP before a family member of one of these GAZANS goes rogue and kills Americans for HAMAS." The State Department wrote on X Saturday: "All visitor visas for individuals from Gaza are being stopped while we conduct a full and thorough review of the process and procedures used to issue a small number of temporary medical-humanitarian visas in recent days." What Happens Next It's unclear when—or if—the State Department will resume granting humanitarian parole to Gazan children in need of medical care.
Newsweek
3 hours ago
- Newsweek
Mercedes' Toto Wolff Left Embarrassed by His Cameo Scene in F1 Movie
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Mercedes AMG Formula One team principal Toto Wolff has opened up on his cameo scene in the F1 movie, revealing that it makes him "cringe" every time he watches it. The F1 movie made big headlines in the world of entertainment and premier-class racing, with the box office collection nearing $600 million. The movie became popular for its F1 realism, given that its co-producer, Lewis Hamilton, was in charge of ensuring the movie portrayed the sport in the most realistic way. Filming took place on actual Grand Prix weekends to ensure everything looked genuine, including the other drivers and teams. Brad Pitt, playing the role of veteran driver Sonny Hayes, is called into the APXGP F1 team to transform it into a winning outfit and help rookie driver Joshua Pearce, played by Damson Idris. Wolff's cameo role arrived after Pearce crashed out in the final stages of the season finale in Abu Dhabi, which then helped his teammate Hayes win the race. The Mercedes team boss offered Pearce a seat in his team for the following season, which Pearce refused. While the scene looked legitimate, Wolff was unhappy with the details. Speaking about his brief appearance in the Wall Street Journal, as quoted by Planet F1, he said: Toto Wolff Team Principal of Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team looks on during the Qualifying Session ahead F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on May 24, 2025 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. Toto Wolff Team Principal of Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team looks on during the Qualifying Session ahead F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on May 24, 2025 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. Emmanuele Ciancaglini/"At the end I have this little cameo. "They say it's great, but I think they're lying to me. It makes me cringe. It was in Abu Dhabi after the race. There was no hair and makeup. "They were like, 'Let's do this now.' "They were a bit annoyed with me because I think I did the scene five times. I wanted it to be good — not that the outcome actually was good." While the perfectionist in Wolff pushed the crew for several retakes, one of F1's co-producers, Jerry Bruckheimer, opened up about how specific Hamilton was during the filming of the movie to ensure all details synced with real-world Grand Prix racing. Newsweek Sports reported his comments: "Lewis Hamilton saw a part of it and gave us a critique of how the drivers actually do various things. The level of specifics that he gave us, like in Silverstone in Turn 3 you're in second gear, and he could hear with his ear we [Pitt] were in third gear. "So it's that kind of thing that he's bringing to the movie. And he said... when he finishes a race, especially like Singapore, where it's very hot, he can barely get out of the car, they lose 10 pounds... and it's not only him, it's all of them. They're just completely exhausted [and] we're going to show what it takes to be an F1 driver."
Newsweek
4 hours ago
- Newsweek
The Bad Guys 2 Gets New Digital Release Date
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors Pierre Perifel follows up his 2022 film, The Bad Guys, with The Bad Guys 2, joined by co-director JP Sans. This fun for all the family romp follows the titular "Bad" Guys who are struggling to find acceptance in their new chapter as "Good" Guys. However, things flip when they find themselves coming out of retirement for "one last job" alongside an all-female squad. (from left) Snake (Marc Maron), Wolf (Sam Rockwell), Tarantula (Awkwafina), Piranha (Anthony Ramos) and Shark (Craig Robinson) in DreamWorks Animation's The Bad Guys 2, directed by Pierre Perifel. (from left) Snake (Marc Maron), Wolf (Sam Rockwell), Tarantula (Awkwafina), Piranha (Anthony Ramos) and Shark (Craig Robinson) in DreamWorks Animation's The Bad Guys 2, directed by Pierre Perifel. DreamWorks Animation Set to release on Video on Demand platforms on August 19, The Bad Guys 2 will also be available to purchase on 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray in October. Below, we have a guide that includes details on where to watch The Bad Guys 2, as well as the The Bad Guys 2 digital release date and The Bad Guys 2 streaming information. The Bad Guys 2 – How to Watch The Bad Guys 2 is available on Video on Demand platforms from August 19. You can rent and buy the title on places like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. Where Can I Watch The Bad Guys 2? The Bad Guys 2 will be available to rent and buy on Video on Demand platforms from August 19. It will be on places like Prime Video, Fandango at Home, and Apple TV on August 19, 2025. The Bad Guys 2 Physical Release Date The Bad Guys 2 is available for pre-order in 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray ahead of its October 7 release. Bonus features include: LITTLE LIES AND ALIBIS: In this animated short, the Bad Guys recount their chaotic day to their parole officer after arriving 10 minutes late to their hearing. In this animated short, the Bad Guys recount their chaotic day to their parole officer after arriving 10 minutes late to their hearing. Deleted Scenes with Introductions by Director Pierre Perifel and Co-Director JP Sans: Lowrider Chase Crime Sisters BAD GUYS: Out of Line: Step into the studio with the cast as they record some of their silliest lines in this hilarious montage of recording booth moments! Step into the studio with the cast as they record some of their silliest lines in this hilarious montage of recording booth moments! Double Jeopardy: The Making of THE BAD GUYS 2: Cast and filmmakers unveil their master plan to bring the Bad Guys back together for another epic heist! Cast and filmmakers unveil their master plan to bring the Bad Guys back together for another epic heist! Meet the Gang: The gang is back together! Catch up with the all-star cast behind your favorite Bad Guys and meet the Bad Girls! The gang is back together! Catch up with the all-star cast behind your favorite Bad Guys and meet the Bad Girls! Double Trouble: The Animals Behind THE BAD GUYS 2: The cast of THE BAD GUYS 2 meet the real-life animal versions of their characters! The cast of THE BAD GUYS 2 meet the real-life animal versions of their characters! Causing a Scene: Learn how the film's adrenaline-pumping action sequences came to life! Learn how the film's adrenaline-pumping action sequences came to life! Planning the Heist: Director Pierre Perifel and Co-Director JP Sans break down how they devised the elaborate Lucha Heist in this hilarious show and tell! Director Pierre Perifel and Co-Director JP Sans break down how they devised the elaborate Lucha Heist in this hilarious show and tell! Sketching the Bad Girls: A crime has been committed and the suspects Bad Girls! Co-Director JP Sans (witness to the incident) gives a description of each of the suspects to the detective, Producer Damon Ross, and the sketch artist, Director Pierre Perifel, who shows how to draw them yourself! Kitty Doom Pigtail A crime has been committed and the suspects Bad Girls! Co-Director JP Sans (witness to the incident) gives a description of each of the suspects to the detective, Producer Damon Ross, and the sketch artist, Director Pierre Perifel, who shows how to draw them yourself! Feature Commentary with Director Pierre Perifel, Co-Director JP Sans, Head of Character Animation Benjamin Willis, Head of Story Katherine de Vries, and Head of Cinematography, Layout Théophile Bondoux (Bonus features may vary depending on format and retailer) The Bad Guys 2 Digital Release Date The Bad Guys 2 will be available to watch digitally from August 19, 2025. Is The Bad Guys 2 Available to Stream in the US? The Bad Guys 2 does not yet have an official streaming release. It will likely land on a streaming service in the coming weeks. What Is The Bad Guys 2 About? The official synopsis for The Bad Guys 2, as per Universal Pictures, reads:
