The newly appointed judge overseeing the trial of rapper Young Thug and his co-defendants for racketeering, gang activity and other crimes issued new rules aimed at making proceedings calmer and more efficient.
Fulton County Superior Court Judge Paige Reese Whitaker began overseeing the case on July 17, after Fulton County Superior Court Judge Shukura Ingram recused herself from the case due to an "appearance of impropriety."
The recusal came after one of her courthouse deputies was arrested for conspiring with a defendant's relatives to sneak contraband into the jail.
The first judge appointed to the case was Fulton County Superior Court Chief Judge Ural Glanville. He was removed after two defendants began seeking his recusal.
The removal came after the case had been put on hold to give another judge time to review the defendants' motions.
Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffery Williams, is facing charges related to racketeering conspiracy and participation in criminal street gang activity, along with drug and gun charges. He is accused of violating Georgia's Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, which is aimed at punishing acts performed under a criminal organization.
The trial has already been going on for over a year. It began in January of 2023 with jury selection, which lasted nearly 10 months. Opening statements were given in November. The prosecution is currently arguing its case and has already called dozens of witnesses.
Whitaker said when the trial begins again on August 5, proceedings will begin at 8:45 a.m. and conclude around 6 p.m. most days.
"When I say 8:45, I mean 8:45," she said.
She also said the court will not be waiting for everyone to be in attendance.
"If you have five attorneys on your side, as long as one of them is here, we're going forward," Whitaker said.
She also wants to "minimize disruptions" in the courtroom. She does not want any of the defendants to wear earbuds while witnesses are testifying. She also banned snacking in the courtroom.
"We're not at a movie, we're not going to be eating popcorn," Whitaker said.
The trial has been marked by numerous delays and disruptions, including several arrests during the proceedings, including a witness, defense attorney and courtroom deputy.
Williams' defense attorney, Brian Steel, was arrested last month for contempt of court after refusing to share a source of information.
Whitaker is also expecting professional behavior during the proceedings.
"The little bit I have seen about this case, it definitely appears that there have been times that tempers have flared a whole lot and that people have been maybe less than professional," Whitaker said. "And I hope that this kind of breather has given everybody a breather, and everybody has been absolutely wonderful here today. But I would like for us to maintain a degree of decorum and dignity and professionalism."
The prosecution and defense are being asked to provide a list of witnesses and what they are expected to talk about in order to give Whitaker a better idea of how much longer the trial will last. She also asked them to make a list of any evidence they would like to be admissible in court so she can make a ruling on them.
The defense told Whitaker they are still missing pieces of discovery, so she asked them to make a list of anything they are missing as well.
The next hearing in the case is scheduled for July 30.
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