American rapper Willie Junior Maxwell II, widely known as Fetty Wap, has been released ahead of schedule from a US federal prison, nearly three years after being convicted in a cocaine distribution conspiracy case.
The chart-topping artist, famous for the hit single Trap Queen, was sentenced in May 2023 by a New York court to six years behind bars, along with five years of supervised release. However, authorities have now confirmed that he has been moved out of full incarceration.
A spokesperson for the US Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) disclosed to CNN that Fetty Wap was transferred on January 7, 2026, from the Federal Correctional Institution in Sandstone, Minnesota, to community confinement. The transition is being handled by the BOP’s Philadelphia Residential Reentry Management Office.
His publicist further confirmed that the 34-year-old rapper is currently serving the remainder of his sentence under home confinement. According to the BOP, his full release from custody is expected later in the year, on November 8.
Reacting to the development, Fetty Wap expressed gratitude to those who stood by him during his incarceration. “I want to thank my family, friends, and fans for the love, prayers, and continued support — it truly means everything to me,” he said.
Speaking on his next steps, the rapper revealed plans to focus on community development and youth support. “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,” he added.
“I’m committed to moving forward with purpose and making a meaningful impact where it matters most,” the statement continued.
His publicist, Abesi Manyando, said the rapper is adjusting well following the transition. “Fetty Wap is in good spirits. He is in a focused, grounded place. His priorities are his family, fatherhood, music, and being an asset to his community,” she told CNN.
She also noted that his time in prison shaped his outlook, explaining that “during his incarceration, he gained a deeper clarity around how intentional he wants to be about creating pathways for long-term success — especially for at-risk youth.”
Fetty Wap was initially arrested in October 2021 in New York City alongside five other individuals in connection with a large-scale drug trafficking operation. He pleaded not guilty at first and was granted bail in November 2021 on a $500,000 bond while awaiting trial.
However, his bond was revoked in August 2022 after prosecutors accused him of breaching release conditions, including allegations that he displayed a firearm and threatened to kill a man during a FaceTime call. Later that month, the rapper changed his plea and admitted guilt to conspiracy to possess and distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
