Young Thug's Lawyer Jailed For 10 Weekends After Discovering 'Coercion, Witness Intimidation' In RICO Trial

Young Thug's lawyer was held in contempt of court Monday during the rapper's ongoing RICO trial in Fulton County, Georgia.

Presiding judge Ural Glanville sentenced Brian Steel to a total of 20 days of jail time after Young Thug's lawyer refused to reveal how he learned information that was allegedly discussed during a private meeting between the judge, prosecutors, and key witness Kenneth Copeland.

The conversation, which took place in the judge's chambers before proceedings began, allegedly included an admission from Copeland that he killed Donovan Thomas Jr., Fox 5 Atlanta reported.

"You got some information you shouldn't have gotten," Judge Glanville told Young Thug's attorney, according to Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC).

"You're not supposed to have communication with a witness who's been sworn," Steel said of Copeland, who had spent the weekend in jail after refusing to testify Friday.

Steel confronted the judge about the witness allegedly being told during the private meeting that he could be held until the end of the lengthy racketeering trial, according to AJC.

Steel also claimed that he learned prosecutor Simone Hylton allegedly told Copeland he could remain behind bars until all 26 defendants wrap up their cases.

The lawyer said this amounted to "coercion, witness intimidation, [and] ex parte communications" if true and demanded to know why he was not included in the meeting.

Glanville insisted there was "nothing that was improper" about the conversation.

After the lawyer repeatedly refused to reveal how he got the information, the judge declared Steel in contempt and asked a courtroom deputy to take him into custody.

Before being escorted out of the courtroom, Steel asked for a mistrial, which the judge denied, and said that his removal deprived his client Young Thug of his right to counsel.

The lawyer was later allowed to return but continued to refuse to disclose his source.

Judge Glanville ultimately ordered him to spend 10 weekends at the Fulton County Jail beginning this Friday.

The judge's move sparked criticism on social media, with a number of social media users calling for Glanville to be investigated or removed.

"Inside the Law" host and legal analyst Phil Holloway tweeted: "This is an utter disgrace. Glanville has let his pride interfere with judicial temperament in my view. Brian Steel is one of the most reputable lawyers you will ever find."

Holloway went on to point out that judges "can't have secret meetings with DAs" nor "jail lawyers for doing their job."

"Brian Steele is about to become a legend. Thug coming home," another declared.

Another fan commented, "This man is about to get PAID PAID if he gets Thug off. Whatever you want, and throw another 30% on top."

"The judge has been off since day one, he needs [to be] investigated along with the state. A truly backwards case, this isn't justice," a fourth user claimed.

"'Game of Thrones' couldn't even match this trial suspense," another commented.

Following his sentencing, Steel asked Glanville if he could serve his sentence at the Cobb County Jail, where Young Thug is being held, instead, and the judge gave a positive response.

Copeland finally testified Monday but appeared reluctant and gave evasive answers, Fox 5 Atlanta noted.

He was released from custody following Monday's proceedings on the condition that he continue his testimony the following day.

Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffery Lamar Williams, has been on trial since November 2023 and faces eight counts, including conspiring to violate Georgia's Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) and participating in criminal street gang activity.

Prosecutors allege that the rapper was the head of a purported criminal street gang called Young Slime Life or YSL. They claim that the group's members were responsible for robberies, retaliatory shootings, and at least three homicides.

Young Thug has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

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