Baton Rouge rapper NBA YoungBoy, whose real name is Kentrell Gaulden, pleaded guilty to charges related to a prescription drug fraud scheme in Utah. He admitted to two counts of identity fraud, two counts of forgery, and six counts of unlawful pharmacy conduct. As part of a plea deal, Gaulden avoided state prison but is facing 27 months in federal prison, followed by five years of probation.
Initially charged with a total of 46 counts, Gaulden's plea reduced his charges significantly. Logan District Judge Spencer Walsh, who presided over the case, remarked, "I've seen so many people with talent who lose their potential due to addiction," according to a court report by FOX 8 Live. "When you finish your federal sentence, you’ll have the opportunity to use your potential fully. Best of luck to you, Mr. Gaulden." The judge also imposed a $25,000 fine as part of the plea agreement.
The case involves an alleged large-scale operation where Gaulden and his associates impersonated a physician to illegally obtain promethazine with codeine, a controlled substance. After a 2019 shooting incident in Miami, Gaulden was ordered to relocate to Utah for a "safer environment." In April, while serving house arrest at his Huntsville home, he was arrested. As reported by FOX 8 Live, Gaulden posed as a doctor to fraudulently acquire the cough syrup from pharmacies.
In his court appearance, Gaulden pleaded "no contest" to the remaining charges, which helped reduce his four felony charges to misdemeanors. This plea deal also avoided additional state prison time, though he was fined. The decision marks the latest chapter in his ongoing legal issues. Judge Walsh noted the significance of this outcome as Gaulden now focuses on moving forward after sentencing, as cited by NOLA.
