In Atlanta, just weeks before Tenquarius Mender was supposed to face trial in connection with the YSL gang and RICO case, he decided to take a plea deal to wrap things up.
On Monday, in a Fulton County courtroom, Mender pleaded guilty to having a weapon and a cell phone while in custody. He also entered an Alford plea for a gang-related charge, which means he didn’t admit guilt but acknowledged the evidence might lead to a conviction.
Judge Paige Reese Whitaker, who presided over the case, handed Mender a 10-year sentence. However, with time already served, he’ll spend at least five years on probation. The judge confirmed that the plea was made willingly and understood by Mender before accepting it.
Earlier the same day, another defendant, Christian Eppinger, appeared before Judge Whitaker. Eppinger, a convicted felon, is facing serious charges, including attempted murder. He’s accused of shooting Atlanta Police Officer David Rodgers six times back in February 2022.
This isn’t the first time the shooting has been discussed in court. Body camera footage from the incident was shown during the YSL trial last October, though Eppinger wasn’t part of that case.
Monday’s hearing was originally scheduled to address an immunity motion filed by Eppinger’s attorney, arguing self-defense. But just before things kicked off, the motion was withdrawn. Instead, the focus shifted to whether Eppinger would accept a plea deal offering life in prison. He declined. Judge Whitaker then reminded him that if he’s convicted, he could face two life sentences plus an additional 100 years.
As for the rest of the case, three other defendants are still waiting for their day in court. Their trial could start as early as next month, with a pre-trial conference set for Friday to iron out the details.
