Fetty Wap Released Early from Federal Prison After Serving Sentence for Drug Trafficking Conspiracy
Willie Junior Maxwell II, professionally known as Fetty Wap, has been released from federal prison ahead of schedule. The 'Trap Queen' rapper, who was sentenced to a six-year prison term in 2023 for his role in a multi-state drug trafficking conspiracy, walked free from the Federal Correctional Institution in Otisville, New York, according to records from the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Maxwell, 33, was originally scheduled for release in March 2026. However, federal prison records indicate he was discharged on January 10, 2026. The early release is likely attributable to time served, good behavior credits, and participation in rehabilitation or educational programs, which are standard procedures within the federal prison system to incentivize inmate compliance and reduce overcrowding. The rapper's legal troubles began in earnest in late 2021 when he was arrested alongside five other individuals. Federal prosecutors in the Eastern District of New York charged the group with conspiring to distribute cocaine and heroin. The indictment alleged that the operation moved significant quantities of narcotics from the West Coast to Long Island, New York, where they were sold to residents in Suffolk County. Authorities described the group as a 'Cocaine, Heroin, and Fentanyl Trafficking Organization' that operated from at least 2019 to 2020. During the investigation, law enforcement executed search warrants and seized a substantial amount of contraband, including approximately $1.5 million in cash, 16 kilograms of cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and crack cocaine, along with numerous firearms. Much of the evidence was gathered through the use of court-authorized wiretaps and surveillance. In August 2022, Maxwell pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess and distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. By pleading guilty, he admitted to facilitating drug transactions and using the proceeds to further his music career and personal lifestyle. In May 2023, U.S. District Judge Joanna Seybert sentenced Maxwell to 72 months (six years) in federal prison. During the sentencing hearing, the judge cited the severity of the drug conspiracy, the involvement of firearms, and the need to deter others from similar criminal conduct. Prosecutors had sought a lengthy sentence, arguing that Maxwell’s celebrity status and influence required a strong message of accountability. However, the defense argued for leniency, highlighting Maxwell's charitable work and his role as a father to several children. Judge Seybert also ordered Maxwell to undergo five years of supervised release following his imprisonment. It remains unclear if the conditions of his release include specific rehabilitation mandates or restrictions on travel. As part of his sentencing, Maxwell was also required to forfeit assets traceable to the proceeds of the illegal activity. The early release has sparked a mix of reactions on social media. Fans have flooded platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram with welcome messages, while others have criticized the leniency of the sentence, arguing that drug traffickers, particularly those involved with fentanyl, should face harsher penalties. Legal experts note that the federal system is rigid but often results in earlier release dates than the headline sentence suggests due to statutory 'good time' credits, which can reduce a sentence by up to 54 days per year for well-behaved inmates. Since his incarceration, Fetty Wap’s music career has largely stalled, though he maintained a presence on social media through posts managed by his team. Prior to his prison sentence, he experienced a tumultuous period in his personal life, including the tragic loss of his daughter in late 2021. His legal team has not yet released a formal statement regarding his immediate plans, but sources close to the rapper suggest he intends to focus on his family and rebuilding his music career. Fetty Wap first broke into the mainstream in 2014 with the massive hit 'Trap Queen,' which reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100. He followed up with a successful self-titled debut album, but his career momentum slowed in later years before being interrupted by his legal issues. His return to the public eye will likely be closely watched by the music industry and legal observers alike.
