NBA YoungBoy Pleads Guilty in Prescription Drug Fraud Case, Avoids Utah State Prison Time

Rapper NBA YoungBoy, born Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, appeared in a Logan City courtroom on Monday, Nov. 18, to plead guilty to his involvement in a large-scale prescription drug fraud scheme. The operation, which was run from his multi-million-dollar home in Huntsville, Utah, initially brought 46 charges against the Baton Rouge artist.

As part of a plea agreement, Gaulden admitted guilt to two counts of third-degree felony identity fraud, two counts of third-degree felony forgery, and six misdemeanor counts of unlawful pharmacy conduct. He entered a “no contest” plea to the remaining charges.

Under the deal, his felony charges were reduced to Class A misdemeanors, and he avoided time in Utah State Prison. Instead, he was fined $25,000 and will serve 27 months in federal prison for related charges. Upon his release, Gaulden will face five years of supervised probation.

A Case Spanning State and Federal Jurisdictions

State prosecutor Ronnie Keller highlighted the complexity of the case, involving multiple jurisdictions across state and federal systems.

“This is just a smaller cog in the bigger wheel of ultimately seeking justice,” Keller explained.

Gaulden’s legal troubles add to a string of incidents throughout his career. In 2021, he relocated to Utah as part of a legal agreement following his involvement in a 2019 Miami shooting. His move was framed by his defense team as a step toward avoiding trouble and focusing on rehabilitation.

A Star Amidst Legal Battles

Despite his legal challenges, Gaulden has remained a prominent figure in the music industry. Known for his introspective lyrics and prolific output, NBA YoungBoy ranked among the most-streamed artists in 2022, trailing only Taylor Swift and Drake. On Spotify, the rapper commands a monthly listener base of over 16 million, even with limited radio play.

Judge’s Message of Encouragement

During Monday’s hearing, Logan District Judge Spencer Walsh acknowledged Gaulden’s talent and expressed hope for his future.

“I’ve seen so many young men and women with immense talent and potential lose their way due to struggles with addiction,” Walsh told the rapper. “I don’t want that for you.”

The judge encouraged Gaulden to focus on his rehabilitation and future endeavors, adding,

“Once you’re done with your federal prison time, I believe you can reach your full potential in every aspect of your life.”

NBA YoungBoy is expected to begin his federal prison sentence immediately, with fans and critics alike watching closely to see how the young artist navigates this chapter of his life.