Rapper Fetty Wap Released from Prison Early after a 6-Year Sentence — Details

The new year has brought a quiet but notable shift in the legal journey of one of hip-hop's most recognizable voices.

On Thursday, the rapper quietly resurfaced, stepping into a significant pop culture platform to express gratitude and signal a new chapter, without initially addressing the circumstances that had kept him out of the spotlight.

Within hours, details began to emerge, revealing a significant development in a case that once threatened to sideline his career for years.

What Sparked the Surprise Return

According to a report by TMZ, the rapper Willie Junior Maxwell II, popularly known as Fetty Wap, was released early from federal prison, marking a significant turn in a sentence handed down less than three years ago.

The rapper, who was sentenced in May 2023 to six years behind bars for his role in a drug trafficking ring, has now transitioned out of incarceration sooner than expected.

TMZ reported that Fetty Wap was released roughly three years early and credited his early release to the First Step Act. This is a criminal justice reform bill first signed into law by President Donald Trump in 2018.

The act allows eligible federal inmates to earn time credits toward earlier release through good behavior and participation in rehabilitative programs. The legislation emerged from a bipartisan effort to improve criminal justice outcomes, reduce the federal prison population, and maintain public safety.

The news became public after the "Trap Queen" singer appeared on The Shade Room, thanking fans for their unwavering support and signaling his return to public view.

Where He Is Now

The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) confirmed that the 34-year-old rapper was transferred to community confinement in Philadelphia on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.

According to the Bureau of Prisons, community confinement means an inmate is placed either in home confinement or a Residential Reentry Center, commonly known as a halfway house. His placement is overseen by the BOP's Philadelphia Residential Reentry Management Office.

While no longer incarcerated, his freedom remains conditional. He is scheduled to be fully released from oversight custody on November 8, 2026, pending compliance with federal requirements.

Following his transfer, Fetty Wap reportedly shared a brief update with fans, reportedly posting the word "home" to his Instagram Story.

In a statement released through his publicist to USA TODAY, he expressed gratitude for the support he received 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.

"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 continued. "I’m committed to moving forward with purpose and making a meaningful impact where it matters most."

Conditions of Release

Though out of prison, Fetty Wap's movements and lifestyle are still closely monitored. For the next five years, he must adhere to strict supervised-release guidelines, including routine drug testing and financial oversight.

Federal authorities have prohibited him from opening any new bank accounts without approval and require him to keep the U.S. Probation Department informed of all earnings and tax records.

In addition, Fetty Wap is barred from consuming alcohol or other intoxicants unless prescribed by a licensed physician. If the courts deem necessary, Fetty will be ordered to participate in an outpatient drug treatment program and will continue to submit to testing during and after the treatment program to ensure abstinence from drugs or alcohol.

Why the Case Matters

Fetty Wap's original conviction stemmed from his arrest with more than 500 grams of cocaine and thousands of dollars in cash. At the time, prosecutors described the case as part of a larger drug trafficking operation, making his six-year sentence a sobering fall from stardom.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Fetty Wap was sentenced to six years' imprisonment and five years of post-release supervision for conspiracy to distribute cocaine.

Court filings stated that between June 2019 and June 2020, Fetty Wap and his co-defendants, Kavaughn Wiggins, Brian Sullivan, Robert Leonardi, Anthony Leonardi, and Anthony Cyntje, distributed more than 100 kilograms of cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and crack cocaine across Long Island and New Jersey.

Prosecutors said the organization transported narcotics from the West Coast using the U.S. Postal Service and vehicles with hidden compartments.

Authorities recovered approximately $1.5 million in cash, large quantities of narcotics, and multiple firearms during the investigation. Maxwell was described as a kilogram-level redistributor within the trafficking organization.

At the time, the conviction marked a steep fall from stardom for the rapper. However, the court's decision to allow an early release suggests confidence in his conduct while incarcerated and his ability to comply with the law moving forward.

For now, Fetty remains under close federal supervision, with strict conditions governing his finances, substance use, and daily activities as he transitions back into civilian life.

His early release closes one chapter of a high-profile legal case. Still, it opens another defined by compliance, accountability, and limited freedom—one that will continue until he is fully released from oversight later this year.