New Judge in Young Thug’s RICO Trial Steps Down Due to Ex-Deputy’s Involvement

Fulton County Judge Shukura Ingram recused herself from the high-profile trial involving Young Thug and his associates just two days after being assigned to the case, citing potential conflicts of interest due to a personal connection involving her courthouse deputy.

Ingram, appointed to the case following Chief Judge Ural D. Glanville’s removal, announced her withdrawal in an order issued Wednesday, July 17. She explained that her deputy, identified in other documents as Akeiba Stanley by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, was romantically involved with Christian Eppinger, one of Young Thug’s 18 co-defendants. Ingram stated, “This may undermine the public’s confidence in the impartiality of the proceedings.”

“The potential for this court’s former assigned deputy to be called as a witness in any future proceedings in this case necessitates my recusal,” Ingram wrote. “The ability of the court to impartially assess this deputy’s credibility or rule on matters related to her criminal prosecution may undermine the public’s confidence in the proceedings.”

While Ingram emphasized that she believes there is no actual bias affecting her ability to preside over the case, she acknowledged that the situation could lead “a reasonable person to question the court’s impartiality and reasonably give rise to the appearance of impropriety.”

A new judge is expected to be appointed for Young Thug’s racketeering trial in the coming days. Fulton County Superior Court Judge Rachel Krause recused Glanville on Monday, July 15, to preserve “the public’s confidence in the judicial system,” which weighed in favor of excusing Judge Glanville from further handling the case.

The decision followed allegations of misconduct and concerns over impartiality raised by Brian Steel, Young Thug’s lawyer.

In the music world, Young Thug released BUSINESS IS BUSINESS in 2023. The 15-track project featured guest appearances from 21 Savage, Travis Scott, Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Gotit, Yak Gotti, Bslime, and Nate Ruess.