Rapper Willie Junior Maxwell II, better known as Fetty Wap, was released early from federal prison on January 7, after serving just over half of his six-year sentence for drug trafficking charges. The New Jersey rapper was transferred from FCI Sandstone in Minnesota to community confinement (either home confinement or a halfway house) under supervision in Philadelphia. His projected full release date from all oversight custody is November 8, 2026.
Fetty – best known for his hits “Trap Queen,” “679” and “My Way” – was arrested in October 2021 at Rolling Loud New York on charges related to the possession and distribution of over 100 kilograms of various drugs (including cocaine, fentanyl and heroin) from California, and distributing them across Long Island and New Jersey as part of a drug trafficking ring.
After initially pleading not guilty to federal drug charges, the rapper was released from custody on a $500,000 bond as he awaited trial. However, his bond was revoked after he allegedly threatened to kill a man while waving a gun on a FaceTime call in August 2022, violating the conditions of his release. He pleaded guilty in August 2022 and received a six-year sentence in May 2023. His original release date was scheduled for December 2026 with time served.
The Bureau of Prisons indicated that his early release was facilitated by the First Step Act, a criminal justice reform law enacted in 2018. Following his community confinement, he will be subject to five years of federal supervision. This includes requirements such as drug testing, avoiding alcohol, and obtaining approval before opening new bank accounts.
Fetty, 34, said in a statement: “I want to thank my family, friends, and fans for the love, prayers, and continued support — it truly means everything to me. Right now, my focus is on giving back through my community initiatives and foundation, supporting at-risk young children by expanding access to education, early tech skills, and vision care for young kids and students so they can show up as their best selves. I’m committed to moving forward with purpose and making a meaningful impact where it matters most.”
Fetty’s record label, 300 Entertainment, shared a video clip of the rapper receiving a warm welcome inside their New York City office.
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