NBA YoungBoy is reportedly facing 63 charges after being arrested in Utah on Tuesday, April 16.
According to ABC4 Utah, Lt. Mikelshan Bartschi of the Cache County Sheriff’s Office spoke with the outlet earlier this week. At the time, Bartschi explained that a search warrant was executed on YoungBoy’s home on Tuesday. Additionally, the lieutenant noted that officers from the Sheriff’s Office, the FBI, and Homeland Security participated in the search.
“Due to the complexity of the investigation, we will not be releasing any additional details concerning the investigation,” Bartschi reportedly stated. “Current criminal charges for Mr. Gaulden include [a] pattern of unlawful activity. The pattern of unlawful activity includes violations of the Utah Controlled Substances Act, the Identity Fraud Act, and fraud.”
Utah State Legislature reports that the Utah Controlled Substances Act states that a “controlled substance may not be dispensed without the written prescription of a practitioner.”
Then, on April 18, KUTV published a report sharing more information regarding the arrest affidavit related to YoungBoy’s recent detainment. According to the outlet, Cache County authorities believe the rapper is connected to a “large-scale prescription fraud ring.”
Authorities reportedly believe YoungBoy and other individuals called in fraudulent prescriptions by using “the names of real doctors and using fake patient names and birthdates.” Then, “alleged associates” of the rapper are believed to have picked up “the prescriptions from various pharmacies.”
KUTV reports that the investigation began after a pharmacist notified officials about receiving a call from a “doctor” whose contact information did not match the one on file. After contacting the medical professional, the pharmacy was notified that the false incident occurred numerous times. Furthermore, the outlet reports that 15 pharmacies were impacted by the false calls. Additionally, the outlet notes that the attempts did not stop even after law enforcement became involved.
According to the outlet, the arrest affidavit “recommends” 63 charges against the rapper. Additionally, that reportedly includes “20 counts of identity fraud, 20 counts of obtaining a prescription under false pretenses, and 20 counts of forgery.”
The remaining three charges include “one count each” for “possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person, engaging in a pattern of unlawful activity, and possession of a controlled substance.”
KUTV notes that during law enforcement’s search of YoungBoy’s residence, “more prescriptions and weapons” were found. Additionally, the rapper’s electronics were seized.
According to Cache County jail records, bail has yet to be set for the rapper.
Social media users shared their reactions to the new arrest details regarding YoungBoy in The Shade Room’s comment section.
As The Shade Room previously reported, a statement was shared from the rapper’s attorney after he was taken into custody.
“Everyone is presumed innocent and he has been falsely accused in the past,” the statement read, per WAFB.