NBA YoungBoy, the popular rapper whose legal troubles have made headlines in recent years, has pleaded guilty to multiple state charges related to a prescription drug fraud case. Appearing in a Utah court on Monday (November 18), YoungBoy, whose real name is Kentrell Gaulden, admitted 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 to the remaining charges.
As part of a plea deal, the four felony charges were reduced to Class A misdemeanors, meaning YoungBoy faces a $25,000 fine but no prison time. This decision is part of a larger legal resolution, as the rapper is also awaiting sentencing on federal charges, which could result in a 27-month prison term followed by five years of supervised probation.
During sentencing, Judge Walsh expressed hope for YoungBoy’s future, recognizing his potential despite the ongoing struggles with addiction that have impacted his career. “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,” said Walsh. “I don’t want that for you. I’m sure that in your future… you can be really successful.”
State prosecutor Ronnie Keller also addressed the complexity of the case, noting the involvement of both federal and state jurisdictions in the pursuit of justice. “This is just really a smaller cog in the bigger wheel of ultimately seeking justice,” Keller said.
The charges stem from an alleged prescription drug fraud scheme in Utah, where YoungBoy and his associates reportedly impersonated doctors to illegally obtain Promethazine with Codeine. According to the affidavit, the scheme involved calling in fraudulent prescriptions under the guise of real doctors, which were then filled and picked up by the rapper and his associates.
This is not the first time YoungBoy has faced legal challenges. In April, he was arrested in connection with the prescription fraud ring. He was originally charged with 63 counts, including identity fraud, forgery, and possession of a firearm by a restricted person, among other offenses. These charges were compounded by additional accusations, including obtaining prescriptions without permission.
At the time of the charges, YoungBoy was already under house arrest in Utah, having been confined to his home since 2021 following a prior arrest for possession of a firearm.
