Rapper NBA YoungBoy Pleads Guilty to Utah Prescription Drug Fraud Ring

Mar. 15, 2025

Kentrell Gaulden, also known as NBA YoungBoy, May 2024.Photo:Eli Lucero/The Herald Journal via AP

Eli Lucero/The Herald Journal via AP

NBA YoungBoyhas pleaded guilty for his involvement in a prescription drug fraud ring based out of Utah.

Appearing in a Logan City courtroom, 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. He entered a “no contest” plea for the remaining charges, perABC 4.

According to KSL, Judge Walsh told the Baton Rouge, La., native he would not face additional jail time or probation, but would be required to pay a $25,000 fine as part of his plea deal.

NBA Youngboy, The Benjamin Crump Awards, January 2020.Maury Phillips/Getty

Maury Phillips/Getty

Walsh reportedly wished the “House Arrest Tingz” rapper good luck and said he seemed “like a very talented young man.”

Gaulden’s attorney, Jon Williams, spoke with federal prosecutors ahead of the plea deal and said in addition to the 27 months his client is already serving, NBA YoungBoy will also have 60 months, or five years, of probation following his federal prison release, per KSL.

“This is somewhat of a unique case where there have been multiple jurisdictions involved both in the federal and the state systems,” state prosecutor Ronnie Keller said, ABC 4 reported. “This is just really a smaller cog in the bigger wheel of ultimately seeking justice.”

NBA YoungBoy performs during Lil WeezyAna Fest, New Orleans, 2018.Erika Goldring/Getty

Erika Goldring/Getty

In addition to the five individuals being in his car, authorities also said there was a prescription under Gaulden’s name with an incorrect birthday, as well as prescription bottles in his possession that turned out to be fraudulent.

Gaulden initially faced 46 state charges, but most were dismissed as part of the plea bargain, KSL reported.

Paras Griffin/Getty

Per ABC 4, the Louisiana rapper’s move to Utah was done to “keep YoungBoy out of trouble” after he was allegedly involved in a 2019 Miami shooting.

“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 told Gaulden on Monday. “I don’t want that for you.”

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“I’m sure that in your future, once you’re done with your federal prison time, you can be really successful on federal probation and have a really bright future where you can reach your full potential in every aspect of your life. Best of luck to you, Mr. Gaulden,” he added.

Gaulden’s attorney did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

source: people.com