Gunna will remain behind bars awaiting trial in a racketeering case against YSL members.
According to multiple reports, a judge denied bond to Gunna at a pre-trial hearing on Monday (May 23). Earlier this month, authorities charged the YSL Records artist with conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.
Gunna, whose real name is Sergio Kitchens, pleaded not guilty to the RICO charge. Judge Ural Glanville refused to release the multi-platinum selling rapper due to concerns about the safety of witnesses. The judge set a trial date for January 9, 2023.
“The court was obviously concerned about threats and intimidation of witnesses,” Gunna’s lawyer Steve Sadow told Billboard. “We believe when the court hears evidence, not just the words of the prosecutor, it will find that Sergio’s release on bond will not, directly or indirectly, pose a significant risk to witnesses. We look forward to having an evidentiary hearing on this as soon as the court permits.”
Sadow proposed a $750,000 bond along with multiple conditions, including his client remaining under house arrest with electronic monitoring. But Judge Glanville sided with prosecutors, who argued Gunna should remain in jail. The judge said he’d consider granting bond at a later date.
Gunna, Young Thug and other YSL members were accused of gang activity in a sweeping RICO indictment. Prosecutors claim YSL Records is a criminal enterprise.