Yak Gotti is expected to be released from jail over four months after his acquittal in the YSL trial.
The rapper, whose real name is Deamonte Kendrick, accepted a plea deal on Wednesday for additional charges he picked up in jail.
Kendrick agreed to plead guilty to one count of aggravated battery in exchange for other charges, including possession of contraband and assault, being dropped. He was sentenced to 12 years on probation.
Why It Matters
Kendrick has been in jail since his 2022 arrest on multiple charges, including murder and violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.
Arvin Temkar/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP
He was tried alongside several co-defendants, including Jeffery Williams, who uses the stage name Young Thug.
Prosecutors alleged that the defendants were involved in a gang called YSL.
Kendrick was acquitted on all charges in December of last year.
What To Know
“I’m ready to go home, bro,” Kendrick said when Fulton County prosecutor Adam Abbate asked if Kendrick was guilty.
Abbate responded to the statement, “Yes or no? Yes gets you home.”
Why was Gotti in Fulton County Jail?
The charge Kendrick pleaded guilty to originated from a jailhouse altercation in June 2024. Prosecutors said Kendrick and several others entered another inmate’s cell and attacked him with an electrical cord.
If Kendrick completes two years of probation with no violations, his status will be changed to non-reporting. If he successfully completes five years, the probation will be suspended.
Kendrick is not allowed to possess a firearm. He was also warned against promoting gangs on social media or through his music.
“Just don’t post you hate anyone,” Abbate said.
The statement comes after Williams’ probationary status was recently challenged by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. Willis’ challenge focused on a social media repost made by Williams with the caption, “Marissa Viverito is the biggest liar in the DA’s office.”
Viverito is an investigative gang analyst with the Atlanta Police Department who testified at the YSL trial.
Fulton County Superior Court Judge Paige Reese Whitaker declined to revoke Williams’ probation but added that “it may be prudent for Defendant to exercise restraint regarding certain topics.”
Who is Yak Gotti?
Kendrick, 32, was born in Atlanta. The rapper is known for singles such as “All Day,” “Free The Goat” and “Yak Gotit.” He has over 400,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.
What People Are Saying
Bruce Harvey, an attorney representing Kendrick, in comments to FOX 5 Atlanta: “He’s looking forward to being with his family and friends again and getting back in the studio. His album is coming out, and we’re happy to see this long ordeal is over.”
What Happens Next
Kendrick’s attorneys said they expect him to be released on Thursday at the latest.
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