It looks like Gunna will be seeing the rest of 2022 from prison. On Thursday, a superior court judge shut down his motion for bond. This marks the second time Judge Ural Glanville has denied the rapper’s request to be released, per Billboard Pro. As previously reported, the judge first denied Gunna, real name Sergio Kitchens, on May 23.
Following the ruling, one of Gunna’s attorneys provided a statement to Billboard. Co-counsel Steve Sadow expressed “disappointment” with Judge Glanville’s refusal to reconsider his previous ruling.
“The prosecution again produced no evidence at all; instead it chose to rely on vague and non-specific allegations and speculation through the statements of the prosecutor alone,” Steve said. “Gunna deserves better from our justice system.”
During the May 23 ruling, the judge shared his concerns that the rapper could be “a danger to witnesses and other folks tied” to the RICO case. Well, a month and additional arguments from the defense did little to change Judge Glanville’s mind. He denied the latest request on the grounds that Gunna poses a threat to the community. Additionally, the judge ruled based on the potential for witness tampering.
Gunna Facing RICO Charge For Proximity To YSLÂ
The artist surrendered to police custody on May 11 following the release of an extensive indictment listing 28 people, including Young Thug. Police had arrested Thug at his Buckhead, Atlanta home just two days before. An 88-page indictment alleges Gunna possessed the drugs methamphetamine, hydrocodone, and marijuana with an intent to distribute.
Additionally, it alleges the artist committed theft by accepting stolen property. Lastly, the indictment states Gunna participated in criminal street gang activity with Young Slime Life, thus violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO).
Given these allegations, Gunna faces one count of conspiracy to violate RICO. In addition, most evidence of gang membership points to Gunna’s social media posts and song lyrics. Gunna’s legal team spoke on the evidence against him during their first motion for bond.
“It is intensely problematic that the state relies on song lyrics as part of its allegations. These lyrics are an artist’s creative expression and not the literal recounting of facts and circumstances,” the court document said.
Gunna Declares His Innocence In Public LetterÂ
By mid-June, Gunna let his thoughts fly on his predicament. Gunna said in a statement posted to his social accounts, “the picture being painted of [him] is ugly and untrue.”
“For now, I don’t have my freedom,” Gunna wrote. “But I am innocent. I am being falsely accused and will never stop fighting to clear my name!”
On Thursday, the judge reiterated that Gunna’s trial will begin in January 2023.
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