The judge who had presided over the Young Thug and YSL trial since it began last year has been recused from the case following several motions from the defense.
On Monday afternoon, July 15, 11Alive and other outlets reported that Judge Ural Glanville had officially been removed from the YSL case. The ruling came from Judge Rachel Krause after she denied a motion that sought to recuse her from the case. Young Thug's attorney Brian Steel filed the motion to recuse both judges after they contributed to each other's reelection campaigns. He initially argued that Glanville should be removed following a private meeting with a witness.
"This Court has no doubt that Judge Glanville can and would continue presiding fairly over this matter if the recusal motions were denied, but the 'necessity of preserving the public's confidence in the judicial system' weighs in favor of excusing Judge Glanville from further handling of this case," Krause wrote in her ruling.
You can read the full ruling here. The push for Glanville's removal began last month after Steel and other defense attorneys learned that the judge held a private meeting with prosecutors and witness Kenneth "YSL Woody" Copeland. The purpose of the meeting was to get him to testify after he refused to cooperate during his first day on the stand. Steel said neither he nor the other defense lawyers were informed about the meeting.
After Steel confronted Glanville about the meeting, the judge threatened to hold Steel in contempt if he didn't reveal the source of the information. Judge Glanville had Steel arrested after he declined to share his source. He was sentenced to 20 days in jail, but the decision was reversed after he was granted bond by the state Supreme Court.
"Jeffery Williams is innocent of the charges brought in this indictment and to clear his name he sought a speedy trial, one in which he would receive the constitutional guarantees of a fair trial with an impartial judge presiding and ethical prosecutors following the law," Steel said in a statement. "Sadly, Judge Glanville and the prosecutors have run afoul of their duties under of the law. Mr. Williams is grateful that the reviewing court agreed with him and entered the order recusing and disqualifying Judge Glanville from presiding over Mr. Williams’ case. We look forward to proceeding with a trial judge who will fairly and faithfully follow the law."
Judge Shukura L. Ingram has replaced Glanville. As of this report, it's not clear when the trial will continue. Judge Ingram can revisit Glanville's past rulings, declare a mistrial, or dismiss the case entirely. Based on the defense's past motions, they might motion for a mistrial once again.
Young Thug and his associates were indicted for allegedly conspiring to violate Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) in May 2022. He was hit with a slew of drug, gun, and gang charges. Thug has been locked up ever since after his bond was denied several times before jury selection began in January 2023. He has pleaded not guilty and maintained his innocence.