A man who faced life in prison in the sprawling Fulton County gang and racketeering case that centered on Grammy-winning rapper Young Thug gets five years behind bars after pleading guilty to reduced charges.

Damekion Garlington, 29, was charged in the fatal 2022 shooting of rival gang member Shymel Drinks . He was also accused of helping to plot a jailhouse stabbing that injured popular rapper YFN Lucci , Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis’ office said.

But instead of going to trial next month, Garlington entered a non-negotiated Alford plea to five charges on Tuesday, opting to leave his fate up to the judge.

Judge Paige Reese Whitaker sentenced him Wednesday to 20 years, with five to serve behind bars and the remaining 15 years on probation. Garlington will get credit fo

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