The “Trap Queen” rapper, who was sentenced to six years, was released from a low-security facility in Sandstone, Minn., on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026.
By Madison E. Goldberg Published on January 8, 2026 10:49PM EST
NEED TO KNOW
- Fetty Wap has been released from prison early.
- The “Trap Queen” rapper served over three years of his six-year sentence at FCI Sandstone, a low-security facility in Minnesota.
- He has been transferred to home confinement in Philadelphia to finish the remainder of his custodial term.
- He pleaded guilty in August 2022 to conspiracy to distribute and possess controlled substances and was sentenced in May 2023.
Fetty Wap is officially back. The rapper, 34, whose real name is Willie Junior Maxwell II, was released from federal prison on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026. Maxwell served a significant portion of his six-year sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Sandstone, a low-security facility in Minnesota, before being granted an early transition to home confinement.
The “Trap Queen” star’s release marks the end of a long legal road that began with his high-profile arrest in October 2021. According to the Bureau of Prisons, Maxwell was transferred to a residential reentry program in Philadelphia. While he is no longer behind bars, he will remain under oversight until November 8, 2026, after which he will begin five years of strictly supervised release.
A New Chapter: Giving Back to the Community
In an exclusive statement provided to Billboard and The Shade Room following his release, Fetty Wap expressed deep gratitude and a renewed sense of purpose.
“I want to thank my family, friends, and fans for the love, prayers, and continued support — it truly means everything to me,” the rapper 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.”
The mention of vision care is particularly poignant for the rapper, who lost his left eye to congenital glaucoma as a child. His foundation aims to provide resources that were perhaps lacking during his own upbringing in Paterson, New Jersey.
The Road to Sentencing
Maxwell’s legal troubles began in late 2021 when he was arrested at Citi Field in Queens, New York, just before he was set to perform at the Rolling Loud music festival. Federal prosecutors accused him and five others of participating in a massive drug trafficking conspiracy that distributed over 100 kilograms of cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and crack cocaine across Long Island and New Jersey between 2019 and 2020.
In August 2022, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess controlled substances, specifically focusing on the cocaine charges. This plea deal helped him avoid a potential life sentence. During his May 2023 sentencing, Maxwell took full responsibility for his actions, telling the judge, “Me being selfish in my pride put me in this position today.”
His legal team argued for leniency, citing the financial strain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic as a reason for his return to the drug trade. However, the prosecution pushed for a significant sentence, arguing that Maxwell used his global platform to “glamorize” a dangerous lifestyle to his young fans.
Strict Conditions for the Future
While the rapper celebrated his return with a simple Instagram Story post that read “HOME,” his freedom comes with heavy strings attached. For the next five years, Maxwell must adhere to a strict set of rules, including:
- Mandatory drug testing and substance abuse counseling.
- A ban on opening new bank accounts without express permission from federal agents.
- Full financial disclosure to the U.S. Probation Department.
- Total abstinence from alcohol and unprescribed controlled substances.
Despite these hurdles, the hip-hop community is buzzing about his return. Having released the emotional single “Forever” from behind bars in 2025, fans are eager to see if “King Zoo” will return to the top of the charts now that he has regained his voice.
Frequently Asked Questions: Fetty Wap’s Release
When was Fetty Wap released from prison?
Fetty Wap (Willie Junior Maxwell II) was released from the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Sandstone on Thursday, January 8, 2026.
Why was he released early?
While he was originally sentenced to six years in May 2023, he served just over three years. His early transition to home confinement is common in the federal system for inmates who exhibit good behavior, participate in recidivism-reduction programs (under the First Step Act), or are eligible for the final portion of their sentence to be served in a halfway house or at home.
Where is he now?
According to the Bureau of Prisons, he has been transferred to home confinement in Philadelphia. He will remain under this status until his official “release from custody” date on November 8, 2026.
What were the original charges?
The rapper pleaded guilty in August 2022 to conspiracy to distribute and possess controlled substances. The charges stemmed from a large-scale drug trafficking ring that operated between the West Coast and New York/New Jersey.
What are the rules of his supervised release?
Once his home confinement ends in late 2026, he will begin five years of supervised release. His restrictions include:
- Mandatory Drug Testing: Regular screenings for controlled substances.
- Financial Restrictions: He cannot open new bank accounts without permission from federal agents.
- Sobriety: He is prohibited from consuming alcohol unless prescribed by a doctor.
- Travel: He must obtain permission before leaving the judicial district.
Is he making new music?
While incarcerated, Fetty Wap stayed connected with fans through occasional social media updates and the release of music like the 2025 single “Forever.” In his release statement, he emphasized his community initiatives, but fans expect him to return to the studio in Philadelphia as part of his transition back to his career.