by: Derick Fox
Rapper NBA YoungBoy, whose real name is Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, appeared in a Logan City courtroom on November 18 to plead guilty to multiple charges related to his involvement in a large-scale prescription drug fraud operation. The 25-year-old rapper, who made headlines with his music career, faced 46 charges but settled on a plea deal that reduced the charges significantly.
Gaulden pleaded 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. For the remaining charges, Gaulden entered a “no contest” plea. As part of the plea agreement, Gaulden will not serve time in Utah State Prison. Instead, his four felony charges were downgraded to misdemeanors, and he was ordered to pay a $25,000 fine.
Judge Spencer Walsh approved the decision to suspend Gaulden’s prison sentence, acknowledging that the rapper is expected to serve 27 months in federal prison for related charges stemming from a case in Weber County. Upon completion of his federal sentence, Gaulden will be placed on five years of federal supervised probation.
State prosecutor Ronnie Keller commented on the case, noting the involvement of multiple jurisdictions and the broader scope of justice in play. “This is just really a smaller cog in the bigger wheel,” Keller explained.
Gaulden’s legal troubles stem from a prescription drug fraud scheme operated out of his multi-million dollar home in Huntsville, Utah. Despite his legal issues, Gaulden’s music career has been notably successful, with over 16 million monthly Spotify listeners, only trailing behind Taylor Swift and Drake in 2022 streams.
Judge Walsh acknowledged Gaulden’s talent but also cautioned him about the dangers of addiction and urged him to reach his full potential after completing his sentence. He expressed hope that Gaulden would succeed after serving his time and warned against squandering his talent.
