Atlanta rapper Yak Gotti heads home from Fulton County Jail
Yak Gotti to drop album after jail release
Atlanta rapper Yak Gotti will head home after months of jail time in Fulton County. He was acquitted of all charges in the YSL gang trial, but picked up new charges while behind bars.
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. - Just months after being acquitted in the high-profile YSL gang trial, Atlanta rapper Yak Gotti — whose real name is Deamonte Kendrick — was released from jail on probation after resolving the remaining charges against him.
What we know:
Kendrick entered a guilty plea Wednesday morning in Fulton County Superior Court to a single count of aggravated battery stemming from a jailhouse assault in June 2024. Prosecutors said Kendrick and several co-defendants entered another inmate’s cell and attacked him using an electrical cord. The remaining charges, including contraband and assault charges related to other incidents while in custody, were dropped as part of the plea agreement.
When asked by Fulton County prosecutor Adam Abbate whether he was guilty, Kendrick said, "I'm ready to go home, bro."
Abbate replied, "Yes or no? Yes gets you home."
Deamonte Kendrick in court April 9. 2025. Atlanta Journal-Constitution/pool photo
The court sentenced Kendrick to 12 years, with 9 months to serve with credit for time served. After two years of successful completion of probation, his status will become non-reporting. After 5 years on probation without any issues, it will be suspended. In addition to the usual restriction of not being allowed to possess a firearm, Kendrick was also cautioned against promoting gangs on social media or through his music.
"Just don't post you hate anyone," Abbate instructed Kendrick.
The Fulton County District Attorney's Office recently attempted to revoke Young Thug's probation and send him back to jail because of comments he allegedly made on social media. However, the court did not find that the post rose to the level to be considered threatening and did not violate his probation. However, he was sternly warned about the usage of social media.
RELATED: Judge rules Young Thug's social media post doesn't violate probation
What they're saying:
Outside the courtroom, Kendrick’s mother and legal team expressed relief. "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.
"He's just happy to put this behind him and to move on with the rest of his life," said Nicole Westmoreland, one of Deamonte's attorneys.
Yak Gotti free from jail (full video)
Atlanta rapper Yak Gotti was greeted by loved ones at the Fulton County Jail when he was finally freed months after being acquitted in the YSL gang trial. His mother was the first person he hugged. When asked what he was going to do next, he explained he only wanted to be surrounded by the people who supported him throughout the whole ordeal.
Kendrick’s attorneys noted he is eager to reconnect with family and return to music.
"The Yak Man is getting back out on the street," attorney Bruce Harvey said. "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's next:
This marks a turning point for Kendrick, who has remained behind bars despite being found not guilty in December 2024 of various charges, including murder.
Even the judge acknowledged Kendrick’s next chapter. "I wish you good luck on your forthcoming album," Judge Paige Reese Whitaker told him during the hearing.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 17: Rapper Yak Gotti performs onstage during Hot 107.9 Birthday Bash 25 at Center Parc Credit Union Stadium at Georgia State University on July 17, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
The backstory:
Kendrick was arrested in May 2022 alongside Grammy-winning artist Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffery Williams. They were among 27 individuals indicted on charges including violations of Georgia's RICO (racketeering) law.
Nearly two years after their arrests, some defendants began accepting plea deals. On Oct. 31, 2024, Williams entered a non-negotiated plea and was released from jail, albeit with strict conditions, including a ban from Atlanta and a requirement to complete hundreds of hours of community service.
The remaining two defendants, Kendrick and Shannon Stillwell, refused plea deals. They were ultimately acquitted of the most serious charges—racketeering and murder. Stillwell was released soon after, but Kendrick remained jailed on other charges.
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While in Fulton County Jail, Kendrick was charged in April 2023 with possessing or providing prohibited items to an inmate. He was also charged with aggravated battery and aggravated assault in 2024. He was initially scheduled to be arraigned on those charges on Jan. 8, but no action was taken that day.