NEW YORK – Chart-topping rapper Fetty Wap, whose real name is Willie Maxwell, has been released from federal custody ahead of schedule, transitioning to home confinement after serving just over half of his mandated six-year sentence. The news marks a significant development in the high-profile drug trafficking case that ensnared the New Jersey native.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons confirmed the rapper’s discharge from the Federal Correctional Institution Sandstone in Minnesota. He was transferred to community confinement, overseen by a bureau office in Philadelphia, according to reports released in early January 2026.
The Drug Conspiracy Charge
Fetty Wap’s legal troubles stemmed from a major narcotics investigation. In October 2021, he was initially arrested. He later pleaded guilty in August 2022 to a charge of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. His formal sentencing occurred in May 2023 before a federal judge on Long Island, New York.
Prosecutors alleged that Fetty Wap was deeply involved in a large-scale drug operation spanning from June 2019 to June 2020. The scheme reportedly involved the movement and distribution of significant quantities of illicit drugs, including heroin, fentanyl, and crack cocaine. The total weight involved in the conspiracy exceeded 100 kilograms (approximately 220 pounds).
Methods of Distribution
The operation utilized sophisticated methods to move the drugs across state lines. According to court documents, the co-conspirators leveraged the U.S. Postal Service and employed vehicles equipped with hidden compartments to transport the narcotics from the West Coast to Long Island, New York. Once there, the drugs were allegedly stored before being distributed to dealers operating across Long Island and in New Jersey.
Fetty Wap and five co-defendants were implicated in this extensive network, highlighting the severity of the federal charges he faced.
Pre-Trial Detention and Sentence Reduction
Before his eventual sentencing, Fetty Wap spent a period detained. In August 2022, a judge revoked the $500,000 bail he had previously posted. This revocation occurred after prosecutors presented evidence that the rapper had violated the terms of his pretrial release by allegedly making threats to kill another individual.
His original sentence required him to serve a substantial period in federal prison. While the Federal Bureau of Prisons did not immediately disclose the specific reasons for his early release—whether through standard early release programs, earned good time credits, or discretionary measures—his transfer to home confinement signifies that he has completed the in-custody portion of his term earlier than the full six years initially mandated.
The rapper’s legal team and representatives have remained largely focused on his reentry plan following his release.
Looking Ahead: A Focus on Community and Foundation Work
In a statement released through his publicist, Abesi Manyando, Fetty Wap expressed gratitude for the support he received during his incarceration. The statement confirmed he is currently back in New Jersey, though the exact location remains private.
The rapper signaled a clear intention to pivot his focus toward philanthropic endeavors upon his return to the community. “Right now, my focus is on giving back through my community initiatives and foundation,” the statement read. “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.”
This commitment suggests a dedication to leveraging his platform for positive social impact, particularly targeting youth development and educational access—areas often emphasized by artists reentering public life after incarceration.
Fetty Wap, whose breakthrough hit “Trap Queen” dominated charts in 2015, remains a recognizable figure in contemporary music. His early release from federal custody closes a significant chapter in his recent legal battles, allowing him to resume his personal and professional life under supervised confinement conditions.
Fans and followers will be watching to see how the artist balances his ongoing supervision with his stated commitment to community service and potential musical projects following this period of legal restriction.