Bankroll Freddie”,” Sentenced to Over 12 Years in Federal Prison
Arkansas rapper Freddie Gladney III, known mononymously as “Bankroll Freddie,” received a significant sentence in a federal court. The rapper, known for his tracks like “Rich Off Grass” and “Add It Up,” has been convicted of multiple narcotics offenses, including conspiracy to distribute marijuana and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
On Friday, November 1, 2024, U.S. District Judge James M. Moody, Jr. handed down the sentence, which includes 150 months, or about 12.5 years, in federal prison. This verdict was the culmination of a four-day trial in April 2024, where Gladney was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana, one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of using a telephone in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The case involved a large-scale drug and weapons operation led by members of the Every Body Killas (EBK) gang and Loady Murder Mobb. Gladney was an alleged member of EBK and was part of over 30 arrests resulting from the federal sweep in Arkansas. His father, Freddie Gladney Jr., was also taken into custody.
The rapper signed with Quality Control in 2019 and released his debut album “From Trap to Rap” in 2020. This album featured notable appearances from artists like Moneybagg Yo, Young Dolph, and Lil Baby. One of his most popular singles, “Pop It,” which featured Megan Thee Stallion, was released in 2021.
The Appeal Process
Gladney’s defense attorney, Bobby Digby of Benton, Arkansas, has announced plans to appeal the conviction. According to Digby, despite not agreeing with the court’s interpretation of the new sentencing law, they will exhaust the appeal process regarding issues during sentencing and other matters. Digby expressed confidence that the 8th Circuit of Appeals would provide some relief.
The specific details of the appeal focus on the enhancement of Gladney’s sentence due to his role as an organizer or leader in the criminal activity involving five or more participants. Additionally, there was a 2-level increase for obstruction of justice related to wiretap calls where Gladney instructed co-defendants to remove evidence from his residence in anticipation of police intervention.
Additional Charges and Sentencing**
- Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana: Five years each on the conspiracy and distribution counts, running concurrently with a four-year sentence for using a telephone in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
- Firearm Possession: U.S. District Judge James M. Moody Jr. sentenced Gladney to an additional 90 months for firearms offenses, which ran consecutively with the other counts.
- Supervised Release: Three years supervised release following the completion of the prison term.
- Money Judgment: 2,000 money judgment as part of the conviction.
- Upward Variance: Judge Moody cited the presence of a ghost gun, which led to a 30-month upward variance from the statutory minimum sentence for firearms offenses.
