A former defendant in Atlanta’s high-profile Young Slime Life (YSL) gang conspiracy trial involving Young Thug has filed a federal lawsuit against Fulton County Jail, alleging widespread neglect and unconstitutional treatment. This lawsuit comes after a lengthy trial during which the defendant, Stillwell, was found guilty on a single charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was sentenced to 10 years, but the judge commuted the sentence to credit for time served, with the remainder served on probation.
Stillwell, along with former detainee Nkenegen Hambrick, has taken legal action against Fulton County Sheriff Pat Labat and Chief Jailer John Jackson. They claim that conditions within the jail are both inhumane and life-threatening. Their lawsuit paints a grim picture of life inside the facility, highlighting issues such as overcrowding, decaying infrastructure, unsanitary conditions, and unchecked violence.
The plaintiffs detail alarming allegations, including infestations of vermin, inadequate medical care, and security failures that they argue demonstrate a “blatant disregard” for inmates’ Eighth and 14th Amendment rights. Stillwell, who suffered two stab wounds while awaiting trial, asserts that these attacks resulted from broken cell doors and a lack of security officers. Hambrick echoes similar harrowing experiences, alleging that unsanitary conditions led to untreated infections after he endured 20 stab wounds during his incarceration in 2023.
The lawsuit underscores the ongoing security issues at the jail, noting that there have been 12 stabbings since June 2024, which highlight the violent environment among inmates. Attorney Michael Harper, representing Stillwell and Hambrick, stated, “The Fulton County Jail’s management has not taken adequate steps to prevent violence, leaving detainees at constant risk of harm. We are seeking immediate reforms to ensure no more lives are endangered within these walls.”
The chaos within the jail is further exacerbated by a lack of separation of inmates based on gang affiliations or threat levels, creating an environment ripe for violence. This legal filing comes amid a U.S. Department of Justice report condemning the Fulton County Jail for constitutional failings in its management and facilities. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland noted that the report concluded that unsafe and unsanitary conditions have persisted for too long, putting incarcerated individuals at significant risk of harm from violence, including stabbings and abuse.
With the lawsuit now placing Fulton County’s jail management practices under federal scrutiny, the situation continues to unfold as advocates call for much-needed reforms to ensure the safety and well-being of inmates.
