Two Defendants in YSL Trial Acquitted in Georgia RICO Case

By Janell Williams

Two defendants in the high-profile YSL gang trial were acquitted Monday in a Georgia court, marking a significant development in the long-running case tied to Atlanta's music and criminal justice scenes.

The defendants, Jayden Myrick and Harvey Winfrey, had faced charges under the state’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. Prosecutors alleged they were part of the Young Slime Life gang, a group accused of violent crimes and associated with Atlanta rapper Young Thug.

The jury found Myrick and Winfrey not guilty on the RICO charges, along with separate counts of murder and attempted murder. The acquittals come nearly a year into the trial, which has garnered national attention for its ties to Atlanta's music industry and broader implications for Georgia’s use of RICO laws in gang-related cases.

The defense attorneys argued that the state's case was built on weak evidence and relied too heavily on testimony from witnesses with questionable credibility.

"This verdict is a testament to the importance of due process and the principle of 'innocent until proven guilty,' " said attorney Daniel Alexander, who represented Winfrey.

Myrick’s attorney echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that the case highlighted the potential pitfalls of broad RICO prosecutions.

The YSL case has been closely watched in Georgia and beyond, with Young Thug (born Jeffery Williams) at the center of the controversy.

Prosecutors allege YSL functioned as a criminal enterprise responsible for murders, assaults and drug trafficking. The rapper has denied the allegations, asserting that YSL is a record label and collective.

The trial has experienced numerous delays and legal hurdles, including challenges in jury selection and the prosecution’s reliance on song lyrics as evidence—a practice criticized as targeting Black artists and culture.

“The YSL  case is significant in both legal and cultural contexts” said Reggie Simon. “The use of RICO laws to address alleged gang activity, the ability to use rap lyrics as evidence, and the thin line of criminal justice and artistic expression highlights more complex issues in our community.”

While the trial is based in Atlanta, the reverberations are felt in communities across Georgia, including Columbus.

“This case brings up questions about the strength of the prosecutor’s evidence and the challenges of proving RICO cases, especially when they involve high-profile defendants like celebrities. I don’t think people realize the severity of the effects this trial’s outcome could have on how similar cases are prosecuted in Georgia and across the U.S.” said Tre Richardson.

The YSL trial is far from over, with other defendants still facing charges. Young Thug’s trial is expected to continue into 2025. Meanwhile, legal experts anticipate renewed debates over the intersection of art, criminal law and the fairness of RICO prosecutions.

For now, the acquittals of Myrick and Winfrey offer a moment of relief for their families while raising broader questions about the case's handling and implications.