NBA YoungBoy was pardoned by Donald Trump after pleading responsible to drug fraud in Utah, prompting native officers to reject claims of political bias within the case.
NBA YoungBoy walked free from probation and controversy after President Donald Trump granted him a pardon on Wednesday (Might 28), wiping clear his Utah conviction tied to a gun cost and prescription drug fraud case that had already drawn nationwide consideration.
The 25-year-old rapper, born Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, had pleaded responsible in November 2024 to identification theft and forgery in Cache County, Utah, as a part of a broader plea deal that additionally resolved the federal gun fees.
Trump’s pardon eradicated the 5 years of probation NBA YoungBoy was serving, a transfer the previous president mentioned was aimed toward correcting what he referred to as “a politicized and weaponized justice system.”
Native officers in Utah weren’t shopping for it.
“We’re extraordinarily pleased with the work our investigator and prosecutors did on this case in addition to grateful for all the assistance we acquired from different native and federal companies,” mentioned Sheriff D. Chad Jensen and Cache County Lawyer Taylor Sorensen in a joint assertion. “Mr. Gaulden pled responsible to the costs on this investigation, and we really feel strongly the Justice System in Cache County is way from a ‘weaponized system of justice.’”
The pardon was a part of a broader batch of clemency actions issued by President Trump, who has more and more leaned on prison justice reform as a marketing campaign speaking level.
Based on ABC, the White Home didn’t provide an in depth rationalization for NBA YoungBoy’s inclusion within the group.
NBA YoungBoy had been serving a 23-month federal sentence for possessing firearms as a convicted felon, stemming from a separate 2024 case.
He was launched in March 2025, having acquired credit score for time served and accomplished his residence confinement. The Utah fees didn’t end in extra jail time, however he was required to pay a $200,000 positive.
The rapper publicly thanked President Trump, prison justice advocate Alice Marie Johnson—also known as the “Pardon Czar”—and legal professional Brittany Okay. Barnett for his or her roles in securing his launch.
Along with his authorized troubles behind him, NBA YoungBoy is shifting again to music. He’s gearing up for his MASA Tour, a slick nod to President Trump’s MAGA motion.
NBA YoungBoy’s prison historical past consists of prior arrests for assault, kidnapping and weapons violations, however this newest chapter might mark a turning level in his profession trajectory.
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