LOGAN, Utah (AP) — A rap artist from Louisiana, known as NBA YoungBoy but whose real name is Kentrell Gaulden, admitted his part in a significant prescription drug fraud operation that was run from his luxurious home in Utah. His guilty plea was filed on Monday, with media outlet KTVX-TV reporting on the proceedings.
The 25-year-old rapper faced a total of 46 charges in the Logan District Court related to the alleged criminal activities. He ultimately pleaded guilty to two counts each of third-degree felony identity fraud and third-degree felony forgery, along with six counts of misdemeanor unlawful pharmacy conduct. For the remaining charges, Gaulden opted for a “no contest” plea.
As a result of a plea agreement, Gaulden will not be sentenced to prison time in Utah. His four felony charges were downgraded to Class A Misdemeanors, and he has been ordered to pay a fine of $25,000, as reported by KTVX-TV.
District Judge Spencer Walsh decided to suspend a prison sentence, taking into account that Gaulden is scheduled to serve a considerable term of 27 months in federal prison related to charges from a separate case in Weber County, Utah. After completing his federal sentence, Gaulden will be placed on five years of supervised probation.
“This case involves multiple jurisdictions, both federal and state,” commented state prosecutor Ronnie Keller. “It’s just a smaller part of a larger effort to seek justice.” This remark highlights the complexity of the legal situation surrounding Gaulden.
Before his court appearance, Gaulden was under house arrest in Utah as he faced previous charges linked to a 2019 shooting incident in Miami. His move to Utah in 2021 was a strategic decision by his attorneys, who argued that the relocation would help keep YoungBoy out of trouble.
During the hearing, Judge Walsh acknowledged Gaulden’s talent and potential, cautioning him about the dangers of addiction. “I’ve witnessed so many individuals with great potential lose it due to addiction problems,” he said. “I don’t want that for you.” He expressed hope for Gaulden’s future success after completing his prison term.
Known for his musical achievements, Gaulden is also recognized as YoungBoy Never Broke Again. He has released four albums that reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and garnered a Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 with songs like “38 Baby” and “Outside Today.” Additionally, he collaborated with Tyler, The Creator and Ty Dolla $ign on the song “Wusyaname,” which earned a Grammy nomination for Best Melodic Rap Performance in 2022.
Despite having minimal radio airplay, Billboard reported that only pop sensation Taylor Swift and rapper Drake had more streams than Gaulden in 2022. His impressive following is reflected in his Spotify statistics, where he boasts over 16 million monthly listeners.
