Georgia Representative Mesha Mainor is demanding accountability from Fulton County jails regarding fair and just trials following widespread scrutiny of two high-profile RICO cases involving Young Thug and former President Donald Trump.
“As the world continues to bite their nails watching two RICO cases in Fulton County, against Thug and Trump, both may end up as complete disasters for one district attorney and the millions of citizens who are funding them both,” Mainor said in a press release. “Any failure to address the issues of injustice will not go unnoticed or unpunished in the court of public opinion.”
Right: Young Thug attends the 3rd Annual Diamond Ball at Cipriani Wall Street on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017, in New York; Left: Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally, March 9, 2024, in Rome Ga.
AP Photo
Fani Willis is the district attorney overseeing both cases.
The YSL (Young Slime Life) case, which has become clouded by a series of controversies, is one of two high-profile criminal RICO cases currently being led by Willis’ office. Her team is also prosecuting former President Donald Trump and his allies for their alleged efforts to overturn the state’s 2020 election under Georgia’s racketeering laws.
Willis has risen to national prominence for using racketeering laws—a charge often wielded against mobs. In 2013, she successfully prosecuted a group of teachers in Atlanta using Georgia’s RICO statute after arguing the educators conspired to cheat on state standardized tests.
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis looks on during a hearing on the Georgia election interference case, March, 1, 2024, in Atlanta. A Georgia appeals court has agreed to review a lower court ruling allowing Fani Willis to continue to prosecute the election interference case she brought against Donald Trump.
Alex Slitz/AP Photo
Georgia’s RICO statute refers to the state’s version of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), which is a federal law targeting organized crime and racketeering activities.
Enacted in Georgia in 1980, the state RICO law allows for the prosecution of individuals or groups engaged in a pattern of illegal activities, such as drug trafficking, money laundering, extortion and other crimes.
Challenges Facing the Young Thug Case
At 18 months and counting, the YSL trial is the longest in Georgia’s history. Willis indicted Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffrey Williams, and 27 others for gang-related crimes more than two years ago. Prosecutors argue Williams is the kingpin of the YSL gang. His attorneys dispute those claims, arguing instead YSL stands for his record label Young Stoner Life.
The case faced a significant setback in July when Judge Ural Glanville paused proceedings until a decision was made on the motion to remove him from the case. Williams’ attorney Brian Steel confronted Glanville in court over a private meeting the judge held with prosecutors and a state witness.
The court removed Glanville from the case; however, legal experts warn the move to replace Glanville could jeopardize Willis’ case further.
Mainor has weighed in on the trial, expressing concern over the conduct of the legal system in Fulton County. Mainor said Young Thug’s trial has exposed issues such as secret ex parte meetings, judges advising prosecutors on their objections, and alleged witness intimidation by prosecutors.
An ex parte meeting refers to a communication or meeting with the judge that happens without all parties present, usually involving just one side, like the prosecution or defense.
“Criminal justice, including the never-ending YSL trial, is concerning a significant portion of Fulton County residents as they brace themselves for the final bill of the taxpayer-funded longest trial in Georgia history under the direction of District Attorney Fani Willis,” Mainor said.
Mainor continued, “Too often, individuals are found guilty based on the actions of prosecutors rather than allowing the jury to weigh the evidence and determine guilt or innocence through a fair trial.”
“The time for complacency is over; the time for real justice is now. With the full weight of my office, the citizens of Fulton County demand that immediate and decisive action be taken to correct the matters,” Mainor said.
In her statement, Mainor also extended condolences to families affected by crime, stating, “To every family and friend who has suffered the loss of a loved one due to a crime, or who has been a victim of a crime currently being prosecuted in Fulton County, my office extends heartfelt condolences and a sincere apology for the pain and anguish you endure,” Mainor said. “When the system does not work, ultimately, no one gets justice, including the victims and their families.”
Newsweek reached out to Representative Mainor, however, she has not yet responded.
Who is Mesha Mainor?
Mesha Mainor is an American politician and member of the Georgia House of Representatives. She represents the 56th district, which includes parts of Atlanta.
Rep. Mesha Mainor, R-Atlanta, speaks in favor of Senate Bill 233 at the Georgia State Capitol on Thursday, March 14, 2024. The bill would give $6,000 a year in state funds to the parents of each child who opts for private schooling.
Natrice Miller/AP Photo
Mainor made history by becoming the only Black member of the GOP among Georgia’s 236 state lawmakers and the first Black Republican woman to serve in the Georgia General Assembly, a party switch that sent shockwaves throughout the nation and gave Republicans a 102-78 edge in the House.
Her decision to change parties was influenced by her concerns about various issues, including crime and education policies in Georgia. The switch drew attention, as she became one of the few Black women in the state legislature to join the Republican Party.
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