YNW Melly’s Legal Drama: Raven Liberty Responds to Drew Findling’s Involvement
Raven Liberty, YNW Melly’s longtime attorney, addressed the rapper’s decision to replace her with Atlanta-based criminal defense lawyer Drew Findling and veteran Florida attorney Carey Haughwout in a statement following court filings on August 27, 2025. Melly, whose real name is Jamell Demons, requested the change due to a conflict of interest stemming from a Broward Sheriff’s Office investigation into Liberty for alleged witness tampering, though no formal charges have been filed.
Liberty described her six-and-a-half years representing Melly as marked by systemic violations by the Broward State Attorney’s Office, including a “textbook Brady violation” involving withheld evidence that led to the removal of the state’s lead prosecutor in his first trial.
She framed the substitution as a mutual decision with Melly and his defense team to protect his constitutional rights and counter prosecutorial delays, expressing confidence in Findling’s ability to secure Melly’s “long-overdue freedom.”
The move coincides with Melly’s retrial for the 2018 double murder of his childhood friends, Christopher “YNW Juvy” Thomas Jr. and Anthony “YNW Sakchaser” Williams, now set for January 6, 2027, after a mistrial in July 2023.
Summary Table
| Topic | Insight from Raven Liberty |
|---|---|
| Departure from Team | Mutually agreed; strategic move to benefit the defense |
| Allegations Against Prosecution | Brady violation, undue delays, improper access to attorney records |
| Next Steps for Liberty | Seek professional sanctions and hold prosecution accountable |
| New Counsel Entrant | Supports Drew Findling’s ability to advance Melly’s defense effectively |
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