A prosecutor in the criminal racketeering trial of rapper Young Thug got into a heated shouting match with the presiding judge over the exclusion of certain evidence.
The prosecutor argued that her team had discussed the evidence with the defense well in advance, but the judge ruled it inadmissible and chastised the prosecution for not being better prepared.
“Why didn’t we file this stuff months ago and let’s wind it out and air it out at that point in time,” the prosecutor said.
When the prosecutor loudly objected to the evidence being excluded, the judge admonished her to have a seat and not discuss it further.
“Have a seat, madam. Have a seat,” the judge said. “You better exclude that and next time, make sure you’re prepared.”
“Oh it’s going to be inadmissible right now,” the prosecutor said. “I am not going to have any more discussion about this, madam.”
“Judge, we talked to them this morning about that! And I attempted to talk to them earlier this week!” the prosecutor said. “Your honor, so the court punishes the state because (of) the defense?”
“I’m not punishing anybody,” the judge said. “But prior preparation prevents poor performance.”
“We prepared, judge! That’s why I sent them what I sent them last week! A whole week and a half ago! Two weeks, your honor!” the prosecutor said.
Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffery Lamar Williams, and six others are accused of participating in a violent criminal street gang that committed crimes to expand its power.
The high-profile racketeering case is being led by Fulton County prosecutor Fani Willis, who has drawn national attention for other cases.
