Fetty Wap Released From Prison to Home Confinement, Says He Is “Committed to Moving Forward”
Fetty Wap has been released from federal prison and transferred to home confinement, where he will serve the remainder of his sentence stemming from a 2022 drug conviction.
The rapper, born Willie Junior Maxwell II, was released Thursday from a federal correctional facility in Minnesota, according to sources familiar with the matter. He will remain in home confinement until his sentence formally concludes on Nov. 8, under the supervision of the Bureau of Prisons’ Philadelphia Residential Reentry Management Office.
In a statement to Rolling Stone, the 34-year-old artist expressed gratitude for the support he has received during his incarceration and outlined his priorities moving forward.
“I want to thank my family, friends, and fans for the love, prayers, and continued support; it truly means everything to me,” Fetty Wap said. “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.”
Photos and videos posted Thursday by his sister and manager, Divinity Maxwell-Butts, show Fetty Wap smiling and appearing in good spirits following his release. His publicist, Abesi Manyando, confirmed that the artist is focused on stability and family life as he reenters the community.
Fetty Wap pleaded guilty in 2022 to one count of conspiracy to possess and distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. He was sentenced in May 2023 to six years in federal prison, after prosecutors initially sought a sentence of seven to nine years. His defense team had requested a five-year term, citing personal growth and family support.
Federal authorities first arrested the rapper in October 2021 at Rolling Loud New York. He was one of six individuals charged in a federal case alleging a large-scale drug trafficking conspiracy involving more than 100 kilograms of controlled substances, including heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine, transported from New Jersey to Long Island. In 2022, Fetty Wap was also arrested in a separate incident after authorities alleged he made threats during a FaceTime call related to the ongoing investigation.
At sentencing, his attorney argued that time in custody had prompted significant reflection and change. “His family has seen Mr. Maxwell mature and become more self-aware,” the lawyer wrote in a filing at the time. “They are convinced he will do things differently upon his release.”
The Department of Justice declined to comment on his release. A Bureau of Prisons spokesperson previously confirmed to USA Today that Fetty Wap would complete his sentence under community confinement.
Best known for his 2014 breakout hit “Trap Queen,” Fetty Wap rose to prominence in the mid-2010s and scored multiple charting singles before legal troubles derailed his career. He has also spoken publicly about losing his left eye to congenital glaucoma as a child.
As he transitions back into civilian life, Fetty Wap has signaled that his focus will remain on rehabilitation, family, and community engagement rather than an immediate return to music.
