Atlanta Judge Paige Reese Whitaker indicated she plans to resume the criminal racketeering and gang conspiracy trial of rapper Young Thug next month, after addressing defense motions for a mistrial. The trial has been ongoing for 18 months and is now in Whitaker’s hands after the removal of two previous judges due to conflicts of interest. Whitaker aims to expedite the proceedings and warned against wasting the jury’s time.
During a recent hearing, she refused to consider substantive issues or revisit past rulings made by the previous judge. Whitaker plans to hold hearings starting on July 30 to address pending issues and conflicts in the case. Defense attorneys are advocating for a mistrial, citing concerns about the handling of the trial by the former judge.
Young Thug and his co-defendants have been charged with criminal racketeering and gang conspiracy, facing allegations of being members of a violent street gang in Atlanta. The rapper’s attorneys have argued against the charges and the handling of the case.
The Young Thug trial is one of two high-profile criminal racketeering cases led by Fulton County District Attorney Fani T. Willis. Concerns have been raised about potential delays or setbacks in the case, given the political climate and upcoming election for the district attorney. Whitaker is determined to move the trial forward efficiently and has made changes to courtroom procedures, such as prohibiting the use of headphones and limiting courtroom attire.
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