Rapper Young Thug arrested on gang charges in Atlanta

ATLANTA — Rapper Young Thug is behind bars after authorities alleged that the Grammy Award winner and his Young Slime Life syndicate were involved in gang-related activity.

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According to WSB-TV, the 30-year-old, whose real name is Jeffery Williams, was arrested early Monday afternoon at his home in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood. He was booked in the Fulton County Jail on charges of conspiring to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act and participating in criminal street gang activity, the news outlet reported.

The 56-count indictment in Fulton County alleged that Williams and other YSL members “conspired to associate together and with others for the common purposes of illegally obtaining money and property through a pattern of racketeering activity, and conducting and participating in the enterprise through a pattern of racketeering.” According to the document, one of the group’s objectives was “preserving, protecting and enhancing the power and territory of the enterprise through acts of racketeering activity including murder, assault and threats of violence,” WSB-TV reported.

Overall, 28 people were named in the indictment, including rapper Sergio “Gunna” Kitchens, according to WSB-TV. Christian Eppinger, who was accused of shooting and seriously injuring an Atlanta police officer earlier this year, also was named, the news outlet reported.

Brian Steel, Williams’ attorney, denied the allegations against his client.

“Mr. Williams committed no crime whatsoever, and we will fight to my last drop of blood to clear him,” he told WSB-TV.

Police believe Williams and two others founded YSL, which began in late 2012, the news outlet reported. The group claims to be affiliated with the Bloods, police said.

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Photos: Young Thug through the years Here are some memorable photos of rapper Young Thug through the years. (Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)

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