BEHIND THE STITCH: ALANI
June 21, 2024
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Rapper NBA YoungBoy, legally known as Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, pleaded guilty on Monday, November 18, to his role in a prescription drug fraud scheme run from his Huntsville home.
The 25-year-old faced 46 charges in Logan District Court but admitted guilt to two counts of third-degree felony identity fraud, two counts of third-degree felony forgery, and six misdemeanor charges of unlawful pharmacy conduct. He also entered a “no contest” plea for the remaining charges.
Under a plea deal, Gaulden avoided a state prison sentence. His four felony charges were reduced to Class A misdemeanors, and he was ordered to pay a $25,000 fine. Instead, he will serve 27 months in federal prison for related charges and then complete five years of supervised probation.
“This is just part really a smaller cog and the bigger wheel of ultimately seeking justice,” said state prosecutor Ronnie Keller, noting the case involved both state and federal authorities.
Gaulden moved to Utah in 2021 after a legal agreement allowed him to relocate under house arrest following his alleged involvement in a 2019 Miami shooting. His attorneys had argued the move would help him avoid trouble.
During Monday’s hearing, Judge Spencer Walsh encouraged Gaulden to focus on his future after serving his federal sentence. “I’ve seen so many times where you have young men and women who have a lot of talent and potential that they can be robbed of that potential when they start to struggle with their addictions,” Walsh said.
The judge expressed optimism for Gaulden’s future. “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.”
Gaulden’s federal prison sentence is expected to begin soon.
