Chart-topping rapper NBA YoungBoy, legally named Kentrell Gaulden, pleaded guilty Monday to multiple charges in a widespread prescription drug fraud operation run from his Utah residence, avoiding state imprisonment through a plea agreement.
The 25-year-old Louisiana native entered Logan District Court to face 46 original charges, ultimately pleading guilty to two counts each of third-degree felony identity fraud and forgery, plus six counts of misdemeanor unlawful pharmacy conduct. He entered a “no contest” plea to remaining charges, KTVX-TV reported.
Under the negotiated plea deal, Gaulden’s four felony charges were reduced to Class A Misdemeanors, requiring a $25,000 fine but no Utah prison time. Judge Spencer Walsh suspended the state prison sentence in light of Gaulden’s anticipated 27-month federal imprisonment for related charges in Weber County, Utah, followed by five years of federal supervised probation.
State prosecutor Ronnie Keller characterized the case as “a smaller cog in the bigger wheel of ultimately seeking justice,” noting the complexity of coordinating multiple federal and state jurisdictions.
Gaulden’s presence in Utah stems from a 2021 arrangement following an alleged 2019 Miami shooting, with his legal team arguing the relocation would help the rapper avoid trouble. He has been under house arrest at his multimillion-dollar Utah home.
During sentencing, Judge Walsh acknowledged Gaulden’s artistic talents while warning against the perils of addiction. “I’ve seen so many times where you have young men and women who have a lot of talent and potential. They can be robbed of that potential when they start to really struggle with their addictions,” Walsh said.
Despite his legal challenges, Gaulden, also known as YoungBoy Never Broke Again, has maintained remarkable success in the music industry. With four No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 and a Grammy nomination, he ranked third in streaming numbers for 2022, surpassed only by Taylor Swift and Drake, despite minimal radio airplay. His current monthly Spotify listenership exceeds 16 million.
The Baton Rouge artist’s notable works include “38 Baby,” “Outside Today,” and his Grammy-nominated collaboration with Tyler, The Creator and Ty Dolla $ign on “Wusyaname.”
