Rapper Lil Durk and his attorneys sharply criticized a newly expanded federal indictment Thursday, arguing that prosecutors’ decision to add racketeering-related allegations reflects weakness in the government’s case rather than the emergence of new evidence.
The statement came after federal prosecutors filed a third superseding indictment against the Chicago rapper, born Durk Banks, adding counts that broaden the prosecution beyond its original murder-for-hire allegations.
In a statement released by attorneys Drew Findling, Marissa Goldberg, Brian Steel and Christy O’Connor, the defense characterized the revised charging document as an attempt to salvage a faltering case ahead of trial.
“This indictment is lipstick on a pig,” the attorneys said.
The defense argued that federal prosecutors have spent nearly two years attempting to overcome challenges.
“For nearly two years now, federal prosecutors have desperately tried to fend off challenges to a very weak case,” the statement said.
The attorneys also highlighted the timing of the new indictment, noting that it was filed roughly two months before trial. According to the defense, Banks has consistently sought to move the case toward trial rather than delay proceedings.
Lil Durk & Legal Team Issue Official Statement About New Charges In Murder-For-Hire Case
“Now, just two months before trial — a trial that Durk Banks has demanded at every turn — they pull this pathetic pivot,” the lawyers said.
The defense further contended that prosecutors are relying on previously known allegations repackaged under a broader racketeering theory.
“Recycling old accusations into a scrambling prosecutor’s back-up plan,” the statement continued. “Allege racketeering and as many unrelated false claims as possible.”
Federal prosecutors allege that Lil Durk acted as the leader of a Chicago-based street gang. Alleging that he offered rewards tied to violent acts, including the January 2022 killing of a purported rival gang member. The new indictment expands the scope of the case and adds racketeering-related charges.
The defense rejected those allegations and maintained that the expanded indictment does not strengthen the government’s position.
“This is not a sign of strength. It’s an acknowledgment of weakness,” the attorneys said.
The statement concluded with a reaffirmation of Banks’ innocence.
“The fact remains: Durk Banks is innocent, no matter how many indictments they want to throw at him.”
The case remains pending, with trial currently scheduled to begin later this year.
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