NBA YoungBoy Gets Arrested
NBA YoungBoy
By Zion Ligi, November 25th 2024
NBA YoungBoy, a popular rapper from Louisiana, has pleaded guilty to participation in a wide prescription drug fraud ring across Utah. On November 18, 2024, the 25-year-old artist, whose real name is Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, appeared in a Logan City courtroom to face charges related to the scheme. YoungBoy, who originally faced 46 charges, entered guilty pleas for two counts of third-degree felony identity fraud, two counts of third-degree felony forgery, and six counts of misdemeanor unlawful pharmacy conduct. He pleaded "no contest" to the remaining charges. A plea deal means YoungBoy won't see the inside of Utah State Prison. The four felony charges against him had been reduced to Class A Misdemeanors, with a $25,000 fine. He is expected to serve 27 months in federal prison for related charges in a separate case. When he gets out, he'll be on five years of federal supervised probation.
District Judge Spencer Walsh of the Logan District agreed to suspend the Utah prison sentence, considering the substantial federal prison time YoungBoy is likely to serve. During the hearing, Judge Walsh noted YoungBoy's talent and his potential, hoping that he could be successful in the future once he has completed his sentence.
YoungBoy's musical career has not been hindered by his continuing legal issues. In 2022, only Taylor Swift and, Drake streamed more than he did, despite receiving negligible radio airplay. His popularity shows in his 16 million monthly Spotify listeners.
The rapper had been under house arrest in Utah after allegedly participating in a 2019 Miami shooting. His relocation to Utah was part of a 2021 court agreement after his lawyers contended the move would keep him out of trouble.
State prosecutor Ronnie Keller called it a special case, as it was crossing into several jurisdictions in the federal and state systems. He called it "a smaller cog in the bigger wheel of ultimately seeking justice". With YoungBoy now set to face justice, Judge Walsh encouraged him to realize his full potential in all aspects of life when he gets out of federal prison time.
