NBA YoungBoy pleads guilty in Utah prescription drug fraud ring
LOGAN, Utah –
A well-known rap artist from Louisiana has recently pleaded guilty to his involvement in a significant prescription drug fraud operation that was based out of his luxurious home in Utah.
NBA YoungBoy, whose real name is Kentrell Gaulden, appeared in a Logan, Utah courtroom to admit his part in the alleged scheme. The 25-year-old rapper faced a total of 46 charges related to the crime, ultimately pleading guilty to two counts of third-degree felony identity fraud, two counts of third-degree felony forgery, and six counts of misdemeanor unlawful pharmacy conduct. The remaining charges were met with a “no contest” plea.
In a plea bargain, Gaulden managed to avoid prison time in Utah by having his four felony charges reduced to Class A Misdemeanors and paying a $25,000 fine. However, he is set to serve a 27-month sentence in federal prison for related charges in Weber County, Utah, with an additional five years of federal supervised probation upon release.
State prosecutor Ronnie Keller highlighted the complexity of the case, involving multiple jurisdictions in both federal and state systems. Gaulden’s relocation to Utah came as part of a deal following his alleged involvement in a 2019 Miami shooting, aiming to keep him out of trouble.
During the hearing, District Judge Spencer Walsh acknowledged Gaulden’s talent and potential, urging him to stay on the right path and avoid falling victim to addiction. Walsh expressed hope for Gaulden’s successful future post his time in federal prison.
Gaulden, also known as YoungBoy Never Broke Again, has achieved significant success in the music industry, with multiple chart-topping albums and a Grammy nomination for Best Melodic Rap Performance in 2022. Despite minimal radio airplay, Gaulden boasts over 16 million monthly listeners on Spotify, placing him among the top-streamed artists of the year alongside Taylor Swift and Drake.
