Utah Pharmacist Outraged Over NBA YoungBoy’s Presidential Pardon
SALT LAKE CITY (KSL TV) — A Utah pharmacist has expressed his discontent following President Donald Trump’s recent pardon of rapper NBA YoungBoy, who was serving a 23-month sentence for federal gun charges and had a history of drug fraud. Phil Cowley, a pharmacist and owner of Cache Valley Pharmacy, described the pardon as a troubling message, particularly concerning its implications for young people.
Cowley, whose pharmacy was among those affected by drug-related crimes, detailed the significant financial losses pharmacists endure due to such break-ins. "Each one of those stores lost somewhere between $15,000 and $30,000," he stated, reflecting on the $25,000 fine NBA YoungBoy, whose real name is Kentrell Gaulden, had previously faced for prescription drug fraud.
In 2023 alone, over 16 pharmacies across Utah were reportedly broken into, exacerbating the issue of drug offenses fueled by fraudulent practices. Cowley raised concerns about the consequence of the pardon, questioning whether it might create a precedent that undermines accountability. “To get pardoned because you know the right people, what lesson does that teach?” he remarked, urging Gaulden to use his resources to support businesses he allegedly harmed.
Cache County Sheriff D. Chad Jensen issued a statement supporting the integrity of the local justice system, expressing pride in the work done by law enforcement to address the case, which included Gaulden’s guilty pleas. Meanwhile, NBA YoungBoy has publicly thanked the president on social media, stating he plans to continue his growth as a father and artist.
As debates over the pardon continue, community leaders and citizens remain concerned about the broader messages such actions convey in the context of criminal justice.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
