Island Boys’ Rapper Franky Venegas Arrested in Florida on Gun and Drug Charges
Franky Venegas, the 23-year-old rapper known to fans as Kodiyakredd and one half of the viral duo "Island Boys," was arrested in Florida on gun and drug charges, according to local authorities. The incident occurred during a routine traffic stop on Sunday, where Venegas, a passenger in a yellow Chevrolet Corvette, was taken into custody by the Collier County Sheriff’s Office. The driver, a 25-year-old woman, reportedly failed to come to a complete stop at a stop sign, prompting the traffic stop. This latest legal trouble adds to Venegas’ growing list of run-ins with the law, which includes previous arrests for allegedly pretending to be his twin brother and for domestic violence charges that were later dropped.
The Traffic Stop and Subsequent Search
During the traffic stop, a sergeant from the Collier County Sheriff’s Office asked both Venegas and the driver to exit the vehicle. A K-9 unit was then called in to search the car, which led to the discovery of a clear plastic Ziploc bag containing five Oxycodone pills. The bag was found on the passenger side floorboard, near where Venegas was sitting. Deputies also found a handbag in the vehicle, which contained a handgun that had been spray-painted blue and had its serial number removed. Additionally, the handbag held a plastic straw and several credit cards bearing Venegas’ name. These findings led to Venegas’ arrest on charges of possession of a controlled substance without a prescription and possession of a firearm with an altered serial number.
Venegas’ Denial and Lack of Evidence
When questioned about the Oxycodone pills, Venegas initially claimed that they did not belong to him and that he had no knowledge of where they came from. However, he later changed his story, alleging that he had a prescription for the medication. Despite this claim, Venegas was unable to provide any evidence or documentation to support it, further complicating his situation. The lack of a prescription, combined with the presence of the pills and the illegal firearm, made it difficult for Venegas to contest the charges, leading to his arrest and booking at the Naples Jail Center.
Release on Bond and Upcoming Court Date
Following his arrest, Venegas was booked at the Naples Jail Center but was released on bond the following day. Under the terms of his release, Venegas is required to appear in court on March 17 to face the charges against him. This marks the latest chapter in Venegas’ ongoing legal troubles, which have overshadowed his rise to fame as a rapper and social media influencer. His previous arrests include a 2022 incident in Fort Lauderdale, where he allegedly impersonated his twin brother during a traffic stop, and a domestic violence arrest in Broward County, which was later dropped due to insufficient evidence.
Background and Rise to Fame
Despite his legal issues, Venegas and his twin brother, Alex Venegas (stage name Flyysoulja), have managed to build a significant following as the "Island Boys." The duo gained widespread fame in 2021 with their viral hit "I’m an Island Boy," which became a cultural phenomenon on platforms like TikTok and YouTube. Their success was rapid, with the song resonating with fans and sparking countless memes and trends. The brothers’ larger-than-life personalities and often controversial behavior have kept them in the public eye, even as they navigate the challenges of their legal troubles.
The Impact of Legal Troubles on Venegas’ Career
The arrest in Collier County is the latest in a series of incidents that have raised questions about the future of Venegas’ career. His music and social media presence have brought him a dedicated fanbase, but his repeated run-ins with the law could potentially alienate sponsors and collaborators. As Venegas prepares to face the charges against him in court, fans and critics alike will be watching to see how this situation unfolds. Whether he is able to move past these legal issues or if they will define his public image remains to be seen, but for now, Venegas’ future in the music industry hangs in the balance.
