NBA YoungBoy set to be released from prison early
Baton Rouge emcee NBA YoungBoy is set to be released from prison early in July. The rapper has been behind bars after he was incarcerated on federal gun charges last year for possession of illegal firearms.
Following his arrest, it was made public that the Louisiana rapper also faced charges for allegedly distributing prescription drugs in the state of Utah. The outlook for the Sincerely Kentrell creator was bleak upon his arrest in 2023. If he had chosen to take the case to trial, he could have spent over a year behind bars. That said, he pleaded guilty but took a plea deal.
The deal, which was arranged last September, included a 23-month prison sentence, five years of probation, and a $200,000 fine. The deal was taken for all the charges facing him, and he was made to give his firearms to the authorities, including a Glock 21 .45-caliber pistol and a Masterpiece Arms MPA30T 9mm handgun.
While pleading guilty, as is customary, NBA Youngboy told the judge, “I admit I knowingly possessed the firearm. I also admit that, prior to September 28, 2020, and continuing through at least April 16, 2024, I knew I could be convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.”
NBA Youngboy has been incarcerated for third-degree felony identity fraud and third-degree felony forgery. He also received a misdemeanour for unlawful pharmacy conduct and various firearm charges. However, due to the plea deal, his time behind bars will conclude on July 27th.
The original plea deal was amended behind the scenes, and the initial sentence has now been altered to include his time served up until May 2024. Furthermore, his drug charges have ceased to be felony charges but have been amended to Class A Misdemeanors, resulting in a $25,000 fine and zero prison time.
The presiding judge, Judge Spencer Walsh, recently told the artist, “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.”
He continued, “I don’t want that for you. 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.”
The reason for the early release is most likely due to the amount of time the ‘Lost Soul Survivor’ musician spent behind bars in Louisiana and Utah, where he incurred the drug charges. Both stints, while awaiting trial, amounted to more than a year.