Early Life and Education
Freddie Demarus Gladney III was born on July 14, 1995, in Helena, Arkansas. At age 14, he relocated to Conway, Arkansas, following a family shooting in October 2009. He attended Conway High School, graduating in May 2013 with a focus on performing arts and vocational studies. Throughout his adolescence, Gladney balanced academic coursework with local music showcases in Faulkner County.
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| July 14, 1995 | Birth of Freddie Demarus Gladney III | Helena, Arkansas |
| October 2009 | Family shooting prompts relocation | Helena → Conway |
| May 2013 | High school graduation | Conway, Arkansas |
Music Career and Releases
Upon graduation in 2013, Gladney began releasing freestyle recordings. His 2017 track “Act Up Freestyle” amassed over 2 million streams across digital platforms, prompting a relocation to Los Angeles in March 2018 to pursue a recording contract.
Between 2019 and 2021, Gladney released three mixtapes and two studio albums:
| Title | Type | Release Date | Notable Collaborators |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drip Like Dis | Single | August 2, 2019 | Renni Rucci |
| Lil Mama | Single | December 10, 2019 | Renni Rucci |
| From Trap to Rap | Album | September 7, 2020 | Lil Baby; Young Dolph; Moneybagg Yo |
| Big Bank | Album | April 15, 2021 | Megan Thee Stallion; Gucci Mane; 2 Chainz |
In April 2021, Gladney had over 50 million audio streams and performed at over 45 venues in California, Texas, and Georgia. 18 gigs were scheduled for his 2021 tour in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Atlanta, Dallas, and Miami.
Personal Life and Family Structure
Gladney had five children with five partners from 2015 to 2021. He mentions his children on social media and wears a pinkie ring with the outline of Arkansas to honour his native state. After a gunshot wound to the jaw during an attempted robbery in Conway in May 2021, Gladney posted a statement two days later announcing his condition and recuperation.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Number of Children | 5 |
| Number of Partners | 5 |
| Personal Injury | Gunshot wound (May 12, 2021) |
| Symbolic Jewelry | Diamond Arkansas pinkie ring |
Legal Issues and FBI Investigation
On April 17, 2022, during a traffic stop on Interstate 40 in Forrest City, Arkansas, state troopers apprehended Gladney for speeding. Subsequent car search uncovered 21 pounds of marijuana, 171 grams of promethazine syrup, and a concealed semiautomatic weapon. Federal authorities subsequently executed search warrants at two locations in Faulkner County, confiscating digital scales, packaging supplies, and other controlled substances.
The Arkansas Division of the FBI investigated EBK (Every-Body-Killas), a regional organisation. A 45-count federal indictment issued on June 3, 2022, in the Eastern District of Arkansas accused Gladney and 33 co-defendants, including his father and three siblings.
Trial Proceedings and Sentencing Details
Gladney’s federal trial commenced on April 8, 2024, in Little Rock, Arkansas. After five days of testimony, the jury returned guilty verdicts on April 12, 2024, for the following counts:
- Conspiracy to distribute marijuana (21 U.S.C. § 846)
- Possession with intent to distribute (21 U.S.C. §841(a)(1))
- Possession of a firearm for drug trafficking (18 U.S.C. §924(c)).
- Use of a communications device to facilitate a drug trafficking offense (21 U.S.C. § 843(b))
Gladney ordered co-conspirators to dispose of scales, weapons, and digital evidence before police raids, according to trial wiretaps.
On November 1, 2024, Judge James R. Moody sentenced Gladney to 150 months of imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and ordered a money judgment of $242,000. The sentence reflected a leadership role enhancement and the presence of a privately assembled “ghost gun” capable of full-automatic conversion.
| Defendant | Conviction Date | Sentence (Months) | Supervised Release (Years) | Money Judgment ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freddie D. Gladney III | April 12, 2024 | 150 | 3 | 242,000 |
The Gladney Family Involvement
According to federal prosecution documents, Gladney’s father, Freddie Gladney Jr. (57, Oneida, Arkansas), supervised distribution networks with his sons. Convicted on four narcotics distribution and firearm charges on the same date. On December 10, 2024, he was sentenced to 114 months in prison. Three of Freddie Jr.’s sons (including Freddie III) and one daughter were co-defendants, facing conspiracy and distribution charges. Sentencing specifics are still pending.
| Relation | Name | Indictment Date | Sentence (Months) | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Father | Freddie Gladney Jr. | June 3, 2022 | 114 | Oneida, Arkansas |
| Son | Freddie D. Gladney III | June 3, 2022 | 150 | Conway, Arkansas |
| Son (Name withheld) | — | June 3, 2022 | Pending | — |
| Daughter (Name withheld) | — | June 3, 2022 | Pending | — |
Aftermath and Projected Release Dates
On November 15, 2024, Gladney began his 150-month term at Federal Correctional Institution, Forrest City Low. He is scheduled for release on May 15, 2037, followed by supervised release until May 15, 2040, after serving his complete time. His father is scheduled for release on October 15, 2034, after a 114-month sentence starting December 15, 2024, with supervised release until October 15, 2037.
| Individual | Incarceration Start | Release Date | Supervised Release End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freddie D. Gladney III | November 15, 2024 | May 15, 2037 | May 15, 2040 |
| Freddie Gladney Jr. | December 15, 2024 | October 15, 2034 | October 15, 2037 |
FAQ
Who is Freddie Gladney?
The rapper Freddie Gladney, born July 14, 1995 in Helena, Arkansas, is notable for his mixtapes and studio albums published between 2019 and 2021.
What charges was he convicted of?
He was convicted of conspiracy to distribute marijuana, possession with intent to distribute, handgun possession for drug trafficking, and drug trafficking communications device use.
What sentence did he receive?
He was sentenced to 150 months in jail, three years of supervised release, and a $242,000 judgement.
When will he be released?
His projected release date is May 15, 2037, with supervised release ending May 15, 2040.
How many children does he have?
His five children were born to separate partners between 2015 and 2021.
