NBA YoungBoy pleads guilty in Utah prescription fraud case, faces $25K fine

NBA YoungBoy, currently serving 27 months on federal charges, pleads guilty in Utah fraud case.

NBA YoungBoy, whose real name is Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, has pleaded guilty for his involvement in in a prescription drug fraud operation based in Utah. 

The 25-year-old rapper, currently serving a 27-month federal sentence, had a case against him dropped by Utah 1st District Judge Spencer Walsh on Monday, Nov. 18, as reported by KSL.  

In a court appearance in Logan City, Gaulden pleaded guilty to two third-degree felony counts of identity fraud, two third-degree felony counts of forgery, and six misdemeanor counts of unlawful pharmacy conduct. He also submitted a “no contest” plea for the remaining charges, according to ABC 4.  

KSL reported that Judge Walsh informed Gaulden, originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, that he would not receive additional jail time or probation but would need to pay a $25,000 fine as part of his plea agreement.  

Walsh reportedly stated, “like a very talented young man," while wishing the “House Arrest Tingz” rapper good luck.  

Gaulden’s legal representative, Jon Williams, coordinated with federal prosecutors to finalize the plea deal. Williams shared that in addition to his ongoing 27-month federal sentence, Gaulden will also be placed on probation for five years following his release, as reported by KSL.  

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

Authorities uncovered the prescription drug fraud scheme after five people were arrested for using Gaulden's car to collect a fraudulent prescription.  

Investigators found that a caller using the name Gwendolyn White contacted a pharmacy about a prescription but was unable to provide a correct birth year. KSL noted that several pharmacists recognized the caller’s voice, which was linked to different first names.  

In addition to the individuals found in his car, authorities discovered a prescription under Gaulden’s name with a mismatched birth date and fraudulent prescription bottles in his possession.  

Gaulden initially faced 46 state charges, but the majority were dropped as part of the plea agreement, as reported by KSL.