Atlanta rapper Young Thug, legally known as Jeffrey Lamar Williams, has accepted a plea deal, changing his plea to guilty on gang-related charges in Fulton County, Georgia.

On Thursday afternoon, Williams appeared in court to enter his guilty plea. He was sentenced to time served, followed by 15 years of probation, and is expected to be released on house arrest later in the day.

During the proceedings, Superior Court Judge Paige Reese Whitaker asked Williams, “Is it your decision to waive these rights and enter a guilty plea because you are, in fact, guilty?” Williams responded with “Yes,” though his attorney briefly interjected on one of the charges.

The plea deal Williams accepted is classified as “non-negotiated,” meaning the final sentencing is at the judge’s discretion. Williams entered a plea of “nolo contendere” to two charges, including a violation of the RICO Act. “Nolo contendere”, or “no contest,” means he neither admits nor denies the charges.

After the hearing, Williams’ attorney, Brian Steel, along with his co-counsel and Williams’ father, addressed the media. Steel acknowledged that the outcome wasn’t ideal but described it as “justice for Jeffrey Williams,” adding that both he and his client felt relieved. Williams’ father echoed his gratitude for his son’s release, saying, “I’m glad he’s going home, but I did want him to keep fighting. Still, it’s his choice.”

Kevin Liles, CEO of 300 Entertainment, which represents Williams’ Young Stoner Life label, expressed his joy in a statement: “Words can’t express the happiness and relief in learning of Jeffrey’s freedom. Today is a time to celebrate, but there will come a time to discuss the misuse of bond denial and the criminalization of hip-hop lyrics.”

Initially arrested on May 10, 2022, Williams was charged with conspiracy to violate Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, along with additional counts related to criminal gang activity, substance violations, and possession of firearms and a machine gun. Prior to the plea, Williams had maintained his innocence, with his attorney consistently affirming he was not guilty.

The trial, which began in November 2023 and is one of the longest in Georgia’s history, saw prosecutors label Williams as a co-founder and leader of “Young Slime Life” or “YSL,” which they alleged to be a criminal street gang.