‘Island Boys’ rapper Franky Venegas arrested in Florida on gun, drug charges

Island Boys’ Franky Venegas, known to fans as Kodiyakredd, recently found himself in the headlines for more than his music when he was arrested in Florida on gun and drug charges. At just 23 years old, Franky’s rise to fame with his twin brother Alex, or Flyysoulja, has been nothing short of meteoric. Their viral 2021 hit, “I’m an Island Boy,” catapulted them into the spotlight, making them sensations on TikTok and beyond. However, their success has also brought scrutiny, as both brothers have faced legal troubles that now threaten to overshadow their musical achievements.

The incident that led to Franky’s latest arrest unfolded on a typical Florida Sunday. He was riding as a passenger in a bright yellow Corvette when the driver, a 25-year-old woman, failed to come to a complete stop at a stop sign. This oversight caught the attention of a vigilant sergeant, who promptly pulled the vehicle over. Following routine procedure, the sergeant asked both Franky and the driver to exit the car, setting the stage for a discovery that would lead to serious consequences for the young rapper.

A K-9 unit was summoned to assist in the search of the Corvette, and it wasn’t long before the officers uncovered evidence that would change the course of Franky’s day—and potentially his future. On the passenger side floorboard, a clear plastic Ziploc bag containing five Oxycodone pills was found. Further investigation revealed a handbag equipped with a handgun, a plastic straw, and credit cards bearing Franky’s name. The handgun, notably, had been spray-painted blue and had no serial numbers, a clear indication that it had been tampered with.

When questioned about the Oxycodone, Franky maintained that the pills did not belong to him and professed ignorance about their origin. However, as the interrogation continued, he shifted his stance, claiming he had a prescription for the medication, though he failed to produce any evidence to support this assertion. This inconsistency in his story only served to deepen the suspicions of the authorities, who subsequently charged him with possession of a controlled substance without a prescription and possession of a firearm with an altered serial number.

The legal consequences for Franky were swift. He was booked at the Naples Jail Center, but his time behind bars was short-lived. By Monday, he had been released on bond, affording him the opportunity to prepare for his upcoming court date scheduled for March 17. While this arrest marks a new chapter in Franky’s legal battles, it is by no means his first brush with the law. Just months prior, he was arrested in Fort Lauderdale for allegedly impersonating his twin brother during a traffic stop for reckless driving. Before that, he faced charges in Broward County for purportedly assaulting his girlfriend, though those charges were eventually dropped.

Franky’s entanglements with the law paint a complicated picture of a young artist struggling with the pressures of fame. Alongside his brother Alex, he has built a formidable presence as a TikTok influencer and musician, with their catchy, upbeat tunes capturing the hearts of millions. Yet, as “Island Boys” continues to resonate with fans, Franky must now confront the personal and professional ramifications of his actions. His journey from viral sensation to legal troubles serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the challenges of navigating fame while facing personal demons. As he prepares to address these charges in court, Franky’s future hangs in the balance, leaving his fans and the public keenly aware that this is one chapter in his story that is far from over.