The courtroom buzzed with anticipation as the YSL RICO trial continued in Fulton County, Georgia. Jury selection was underway, a process already fraught with complexities given the number of defendants. The air crackled with tension, punctuated by unexpected outbursts and dramatic turns of events.
A Week of Unforeseen Circumstances
The trial took a dramatic turn when defendant Rahsul Ryan was escorted from the courtroom, accused of possessing marijuana. This incident followed closely on the heels of attorney Anastasio Manettas’ arrest. Manettas, representing defendant Miles Farley in the YSL RICO case, was taken into custody upon arriving at the courthouse. Authorities alleged that he was carrying prescription medication not stored in its original container. This led to charges of obstruction, disrupting court proceedings, and simple battery – the latter being dismissed later. Ultimately, these events resulted in a significant development: the severing of Miles Farley’s case from the other defendants, including rapper Young Thug (Jeffrey Lamar Williams).
Joining us to shed light on this whirlwind of events and discuss his client’s recent bond release is attorney Anastasio Manettas himself.
A Conversation with Anastasio Manettas
Law and Crime: Anastasio, thank you for joining us. It’s been a turbulent week at the YSL RICO trial, to say the least, and we’re still only in the jury selection phase. Could you give us an update on the latest developments, specifically regarding your client, Miles Farley, being granted bond?
Manettas: Thank you for having me. I am relieved to share that Miles was granted bond today by Judge Glanville. It is a significant amount, so we have work to do, but we are grateful for the court’s decision. This was our fourth attempt at securing bond, and I suppose the old adage “fourth time’s the charm” rings true in this case.
Law and Crime: This is particularly noteworthy considering the events of this past week in the courtroom, where your client’s case was severed from the other defendants in this RICO case. Can you elaborate on this development?
Manettas: Absolutely. Our bond hearing took place on Monday, and while the judge seemed receptive to our arguments, he opted to take the matter under advisement. This meant a delay of up to 10 days before issuing a ruling. The following day, the courtroom was disrupted, and then on Wednesday, I found myself wrongfully accused and detained by deputies.
Law and Crime: This incident on Thursday, where you were taken into custody for allegedly possessing medication not in its prescribed bottle – could you shed some light on what transpired?
Manettas: I am prescribed three medications by my doctors, which I require daily. These medications were stored in my work bag. I had two of the medications in their original containers. The third medication, however, was partially stored in one of the other pill bottles because its designated container was quite bulky. It’s important to note that in Georgia, it’s perfectly legal to carry prescription medication without the original bottle, even if stored in a simple Ziploc bag or aluminum foil. My actions were entirely lawful.
Law and Crime: So you believe there may have been a misunderstanding?
Manettas: It’s difficult to say. One would have to ask the District Attorney’s office and the Sheriff’s Department for their perspective. However, I struggle to see how it could be a misunderstanding. The law on this matter is unequivocally clear. Had law enforcement conducted even a rudimentary investigation, they would have instantly recognized that I was not breaking any laws. Instead, they jumped to conclusions without even affording me the courtesy of an explanation. They didn’t attempt to contact my doctors or have the medication tested. To make matters worse, I was charged with a felony. This entire ordeal has given me a disheartening glimpse into the justice system’s flaws – the kind of overcharging and trumped-up charges that I routinely witness impacting my clients.
Law and Crime: You also faced a simple battery charge, which was later dismissed. This charge stemmed from an alleged interaction with a sheriff’s deputy. Could you tell us more about that?
Manettas: This charge was simply a continuation of the unwarranted detention and false accusations. I was already handcuffed, having fully complied with their instructions, when a colleague requested my phone. I attempted to toss it to him, not to conceal anything, but to safeguard sensitive client information, including medical records. Given their disregard for my medical privacy, I was concerned about potential breaches of my clients’ confidential data.
Unfortunately, as my hands were restrained, the phone brushed against one of the captains. Their reaction was swift and exaggerated – they seemed to relish the opportunity to add a battery charge.
Law and Crime: The battery charge was eventually dropped, but you are still facing charges related to the prescription medication. Judge Glanville, who is presiding over this trial, has garnered attention for his unconventional courtroom practices, like assigning essays to prospective jurors and even attorneys found in contempt. What are your thoughts on these methods, and have you ever encountered anything similar in your career?
Manettas: I’ve been practicing law since 2015 and have never witnessed anything like this. The Georgia statute regarding contempt empowers judges to impose fines, jail sentences (up to 20 days), or a combination of both. However, Judge Glanville appears to be exploring alternative consequences. While I don’t necessarily agree that I was in contempt during the incident you’re referring to, it’s certainly unusual to order a defense attorney to purchase lunch for their colleagues.
Law and Crime: Shifting gears, Rahsul Ryan, not your client, was the individual allegedly found with marijuana. However, your client, Miles Farley, faces a murder charge. Given this context, what are your thoughts on having his case severed? This trial, with its ongoing jury selection, seems far from reaching a resolution.
Manettas: The severance of Miles Farley’s case is a significant development. From the outset, we have maintained that a separate trial is the only way to ensure fairness for Mr. Farley. While we are confident in our ability to secure a favorable outcome, the complexities of a RICO trial, coupled with the presence of multiple defendants and legal teams, would have undeniably presented substantial challenges.
Law and Crime: Attorney Manettas, we thank you for taking the time to discuss these matters with us and provide your insights into this complex case. We will continue to follow Miles Farley’s case as it unfolds.