How a Louisiana Accent Unraveled NBA YoungBoy’s Alleged Prescription Fraud
Kentrell Gaulden, better known as rap superstar NBA YoungBoy, faces major legal challenges after being implicated in a wide-reaching prescription fraud scheme.
Authorities in Cache County, Utah, have charged the Baton Rouge native with 63 counts including identity fraud, forgery, and illegal procurement of prescription drugs. Gaulden, 24, was arrested on April 16, just north of his residence in Weber County where he has been under house arrest relating to previous firearm charges.
The investigation, which unfolded over several months, involved fraudulent prescriptions for cough suppressants commonly used as recreational drugs. According to the Cache County Sheriff’s Office, the scheme included impersonating physicians and using fictitious patient information to obtain controlled substances from pharmacies across Utah.
Detectives cracked the case partly due to Gaulden's distinct Louisiana accent; his pronunciation of the word "ask" as "axe" linked him to the fraudulent activities. This clue emerged during a pivotal phone call intercepted by law enforcement, where Gaulden inadvertently used the same distinctive dialect that was noted in earlier fraudulent calls made to pharmacies.
The arrest report detailed numerous incidents where Gaulden's associates, under his direction, allegedly picked up prescriptions using various aliases. A significant break in the case occurred when detectives intercepted a vehicle registered to Gaulden outside a pharmacy. The vehicle matched the description of one featured in one of his music videos, further tying him to the allegations.
Following the discovery of a firearm and several controlled substances during a raid on his Utah home, Gaulden's legal troubles got much more complex. The seized items and the ongoing investigation prompted federal prosecutors to seek a bond revocation, suggesting that Gaulden may soon face trial.
Gaulden's attorney has issued a statement emphasizing his presumption of innocence and highlighting his previous wrongful accusations. Nonetheless, the gravity of the charges and the evidence outlined by authorities paint a challenging picture for the young artist.
There are also reports that the rap superstar will have to return to his home of Baton Rouge, LA. Stay tuned for updates and see the full story here via WBRZ.
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Gallery Credit: Katelyn Leboff