Yak Gotti To Be Released Following YSL Gang Trial Acquittal
Another defendant in the YSL gang trial is coming home.
Rapper Yak Gotti will be released from Fulton County Jail on probation this week. As reported by Fox 5 Atlanta, the rapper, whose real name is Deamonte Kendrick, pleaded guilty on Tuesday (Apr. 8) to a count of aggravated battery from a jailhouse assault last June.
Prosecutors said Kendrick and several others entered another inmate’s cell and attacked him with an electrical cord. Other charges stemming from other in-custody incidents, including contraband and assault, were dropped as part of his plea deal.
The court sentenced him to 12 years, with 9 months to serve with credit for time served. After two years of successfully completing probation, his status will become non-reporting. After 5 successful years, his sentence will be suspended.
Yak Gotti is also prohibited from possessing a firearm and was cautioned against promoting gangs on social media and through his music. His attorneys said they expect him to be released as soon as Thursday or Friday at the latest.
The plea deal marks a turning point for Yak Gotti, who remained in custody despite being acquitted last December of charges related to the YSL RICO case, including murder and racketeering. He was arrested in May 2022 as one of 27 individuals indicted on RICO charges.
Yak Gotti was one of two individuals who refused plea deals in the case.
Yak Gotti’s mother and legal team expressed relief over his release. “Victory was won today, and I’m thankful that my son is coming home,” said his mother. “I miss him deeply. He got not guilty and he still was in jail, so I’m happy about that.”
His attorney, Bruce Harvey, added:
“The Yak Man is getting back out on the street. 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.”
The judge in the case, Judge Paige Reese Whitaker, also gave well wishes to the rapper in his next chapter. “I wish you good luck on your forthcoming album,” she said during the hearing.
RELATED: Judge Rules Young Thug’s Tweets Don’t Violate Probation
