By Bob Paterson NBA YoungBoy is not currently in jail. As of July 30, 2026, the rapper—whose legal name is Kentrell DeSean Gaulden—is free. He was released from federal prison in March 2025, completed a brief period of home confinement and later received a full presidential pardon for his federal gun convictions. Recent reporting has shown him travelling, recording music and performing publicly, with no credible report of a new incarceration.
When Was NBA YoungBoy Released?
NBA YoungBoy was sentenced in December 2024 to 23 months in federal prison after admitting that he possessed firearms despite having a previous felony conviction.
Because he received credit for time already spent in custody, he did not serve the entire sentence after the December hearing. He was released from federal prison in March 2025 and transferred to home confinement.
His home-confinement period ended the following month. This meant he was already outside prison before receiving the presidential pardon in May 2025.
Some older articles said he would remain imprisoned until 2026. Those reports were based on earlier sentence calculations and became outdated after his release date was moved forward and credit for time served was applied.
Why Was He Sentenced to Federal Prison?
The federal cases involved firearms found during separate incidents in Louisiana and Utah.
NBA YoungBoy admitted possessing a Glock .45-calibre pistol and a Masterpiece Arms 9mm handgun during the filming of a music video in Baton Rouge. He also admitted possessing a Sig Sauer 9mm pistol at his Utah residence.
Federal law generally prohibits a person with a qualifying felony conviction from possessing firearms. His earlier Louisiana conviction therefore made the later firearm possession a federal offence.
The cases were resolved through a negotiated agreement that addressed federal proceedings in Louisiana and Utah. The sentence included imprisonment, supervised release and a substantial fine.
Did Donald Trump Pardon NBA YoungBoy?
Yes. On May 28, 2025, President Donald Trump granted Kentrell Gaulden a full and unconditional pardon for the two federal cases covered by the clemency document.
The pardon applied to the federal offences listed in United States v. Gaulden. The official document was issued through the US Department of Justice’s Office of the Pardon Attorney.
Because NBA YoungBoy had already completed his prison and home-confinement periods, the pardon mainly removed the remaining federal consequences, including supervision requirements connected with the pardoned cases.
His lawyer said the pardon ended restrictions such as mandatory drug testing and allowed him to focus on his family and music career.
What Happened to the Utah Drug-Fraud Case?
NBA YoungBoy also faced state charges in Utah involving an alleged prescription-drug fraud operation.
He pleaded guilty in November 2024 to charges connected with that case. Under the resolution, he received a suspended sentence and was ordered to pay a $25,000 fine. The Utah case did not add another period of imprisonment beyond the federal custody he was already serving.
A presidential pardon applies only to federal offences. It cannot erase a state conviction. Therefore, Trump’s pardon covered NBA YoungBoy’s federal gun cases but did not independently overturn the Utah state proceedings.
Has He Returned to Performing?
Yes. After leaving custody and receiving the pardon, NBA YoungBoy returned to public performances and completed a major US arena tour in 2025.
His ability to travel and perform publicly is further confirmation that he was no longer serving a prison or home-confinement sentence. Later coverage described him appearing onstage and continuing his music career after the conclusion of his federal legal restrictions.
The Current Position
NBA YoungBoy is not in jail. He left federal prison in March 2025, finished home confinement in April and received a full federal pardon on May 28, 2025.
Online posts claiming that he is still serving the original 23-month sentence are based on old release estimates. Unless a new case or arrest occurs, his previous federal prison sentence and supervision obligations are no longer keeping him in custody.