LOGAN, Utah (KUTV) — Cache County officials reacted to President Donald Trump’s recent pardoning of Kentrell Gaulden, publicly known as NBA YoungBoy, defending the county’s justice system.
A White House official confirmed with the Associated Press Wednesday that Trump pardoned the convicted rapper. Shortly after, Gaulden scheduled a concert tour beginning in September 2025.
Cache County Attorney Taylor Sorensen and Sheriff D. Chad Jensen released a joint statement Thursday.
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They said the reason given for NBA YoungBoy’s pardon was to “correct a politicized and weaponized justice system.” However, they disputed the claim, saying they were “extremely proud of the work our investigator and prosecutors did on this case.”
“Mr. Gaulden pled guilty to the charges in this investigation, and we feel strongly the Justice System in Cache County is far from a weaponized system of justice,” the statement read. “We have highly trained, honest, experienced and professional sheriff’s investigators and county prosecutors, along with respected District Court Judges and Defense Attorneys.”
Gaulden admitted to his role in what police called a “large scale prescription fraud ring,” pleading guilty to 46 charges of prescription drug fraud. He was fined $25,000.
Gaulden also served time in Louisiana for gun-related charges.
The rapper publicly thanked Trump, saying the pardon gives him “the opportunity to keep building – as a man, as a father, and as an artist.”
“This moment means a lot. It opens the door to a future I’ve worked hard for and I am fully prepared to step into this,” his post read.
Read Cache County officials’ full statement below:
Cache County Attorney Taylor Sorensen and I have recently been made aware that President Donald Trump has pardoned Kentrell Desean Gaulden aka NBA Young Boy who pled guilty in November 2024 to his role in a prescription drug fraud ring in Cache County. He also pled guilty to additional charges in other jurisdictions. His pardon comes in a grouping with other convicts across the country. The reason given for these pardons was to correct. “a politicized and weaponized justice system.”
We are extremely proud of the work our investigator and prosecutors did on this case as well as grateful for all the help we received from other local and federal agencies. Mr. Gaulden pled guilty to the charges in this investigation, and we feel strongly the Justice System in Cache County is far from a *weaponized system of justice.” We have highly trained, honest, experienced and professional sheriff’s investigators and county prosecutors, along with respected District Court Judges and Defense Attorneys. We, along with all of our staff are proud of the work we do in Cache County.
– D. Chad Jensen, Sheriff & Taylor Sorensen, Cache County Attorney
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