18-year-old accused of threatening law enforcement officials over YSL arrests

ATLANTA, Ga. (CBS46) - An 18-year-old is facing 23 counts of terroristic threats after he threatened to kill Fulton County Sheriff Patrick Labat, his wife and the Atlanta Public Schools police chief on social media.

According to court documents, Quartavius Mender made the threats following several high-profile arrests of accused YSL gang members in an ongoing RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) investigation.

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Mender is facing 23 counts of Terroristic Threats, all of which are felonies. His bond has been denied. He’s accused of post threatening comment saying he would kill Sheriff Labat and his wife unless Young Thug was released from custody. Threats were also allegedly made against APS Police Chief Ronald Applin.

“It was not a smart move to threaten the sheriff,” said Labat.

“We think it’s gang related and at least fan base related,” Labat added, saying it’s unclear right now if Mender is a part of the YSL gang or a fan.

Young Thug, whose legal name is Jeffrey Lamar Williams, was arrested in Buckhead in early May. Sergio Giavanni Kitchens, who is known as Gunna, was also arrested along with multiple other possible gang members. Prosecutors believe Young Thug is a co-founder of YSL and that various crimes have been committed by its members.

“I couldn’t think of any particular reason I was targeted,” said Applin. “At the end of the day it doesn’t really surprise me that something like that would happen.”

“I think it’s bolstered our efforts even more to have something like this happen,” said Applin. “If they threaten us they’ll threaten anyone so I think a lot of effort is going to be put into making sure that we keep them in check.”

Labat said with Mender in custody, more threats have come in online from other people and he has also received suspicious calls. They are increasing security.

“We take these kinds of brazen threats seriously,” said Labat. “Social media cyberbullying, and hiding behind a keyboard, will not protect someone from criminal prosecution. Our investigators are diligent in seeking individuals who mean to do harm to anybody, and I am grateful to them for ensuring the safety of myself, my wife, and all citizens of Fulton County.”

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Young Thug is currently be held at Cobb County Jail. He was denied bond for the second time Thursday.

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Gunna has also been denied bond and a court date has been scheduled for January 2023.

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