Fetty Wap, whose real name is Willie Maxwell II, is an American rapper known for hits like “Trap Queen” and “679.” However, in recent years he has faced numerous legal issues resulting in jail time. In October 2021, Fetty Wap was arrested by the FBI and charged with federal drug crimes. He pled guilty in August 2022 and is currently serving time in prison. This article will examine Fetty Wap’s criminal history and the reasons why he is currently incarcerated.
Overview of Fetty Wap’s Legal Issues
Fetty Wap has had multiple run-ins with the law throughout his music career. His legal troubles started to escalate in 2019 when he was arrested for allegedly assaulting three hotel employees in Las Vegas. He was arrested again later that year for allegedly punching a valet driver in Los Angeles. In both cases, Fetty Wap accepted plea deals to avoid jail time.
Things took a more serious turn in October 2021 when Fetty Wap was arrested and charged as part of a major drug trafficking investigation. According to federal prosecutors, Fetty Wap was part of a drug ring that transported, distributed and sold over 100 kilograms of cocaine, crack cocaine, fentanyl and heroin across Long Island and New Jersey from June 2019 to June 2020.
Fetty Wap’s Guilty Plea and Sentencing
In August 2022, Fetty Wap pled guilty to a single count of conspiracy to distribute and possess controlled substances. He admitted to his role in distributing over 100 kilograms of controlled substances.
As part of a plea deal, Fetty Wap faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in prison. However, he could face up to 40 years in prison when he is sentenced in November 2022. Prosecutors have said they will recommend a sentence on the higher end of the spectrum due to Fetty Wap being a high-level distributor for the drug ring.
Details of Fetty Wap’s Drug Trafficking Charges
According to court documents, Fetty Wap was a highly active member of the drug ring operating between the East and West coasts. Some specific details of his involvement include:
- He obtained bulk quantities of drugs from various suppliers which he then distributed himself or through co-conspirators.
- He was recorded negotiating drug deals over the phone and through text messages.
- He directed large cash payments for the drugs to be sent to California via US mail. Over $1.5 million in cash was seized during the investigation.
- He acted as a distributor for two high-level suppliers referred to as “Co-conspirator 1” and “Co-conspirator 2”.
- He received kilogram quantities of controlled substances directly from “Co-conspirator 1” in California on multiple occasions.
- Investigators obtained physical evidence, text messages, and testimony proving his involvement.
- 5 kilograms of cocaine were seized in November 2019 in connection with the trafficking ring along with a firearm and ammunition.
Questions About Fetty Wap’s Prison Sentence
Why did Fetty Wap accept a plea deal if he was facing up to 40 years in prison?
By accepting a plea deal, Fetty Wap guaranteed himself a lighter sentence than if he went to trial and lost. The minimum 5 year sentence he accepted was likely far less than the sentence he could have received if found guilty in a full trial. Plea deals result in lighter sentences in exchange for saving time and resources of a full prosecution. Even if Fetty Wap received the maximum 40 year sentence, a plea deal ensures he will serve less time than the full sentence.
What will prison life be like for Fetty Wap?
Fetty Wap will likely be sentenced to serve time in a medium security federal prison. Life will be highly regimented with set times for meals, sleeping, recreation, visitations, etc. He will be living in tight quarters with other inmates and have limited privacy. There may be opportunities for him to work within the prison if he maintains good behavior. Educational classes, counseling, and rehabilitation programs are often available for inmates as well. Overall, the lifestyle will be a stark contrast to the lavish lifestyle Fetty Wap enjoyed as a hip hop star.
Will Fetty Wap still be able to release new music in prison?
Technically, Fetty Wap can still write and record new music while in prison. However, it will be much more difficult without consistent access to a professional studio and producers. He would have to record on more basic equipment available to inmates. Releasing new music while incarcerated requires approval from the prison. Fetty Wap will likely release any songs or albums created in prison only after being freed. For now, his music career is essentially on hold while he serves his sentence.
What happens once Fetty Wap is released from prison?
Once released, Fetty Wap will likely face a period of supervised release similar to parole. During this time, his activities and movements will still be monitored and restricted. However, he may be able to start performing and releasing music again at this time. Fetty Wap will have to rebuild his career coming out of prison. Many artists are able to successfully restart their music careers after incarceration. Only time will tell if he can achieve the level of success he had before his arrest.
Timeline of Fetty Wap’s Legal Issues and Sentencing
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| September 2019 | Fetty Wap arrested for assaulting 3 hotel employees in Las Vegas |
| November 2019 | Fetty Wap arrested for punching valet driver in Los Angeles |
| October 2021 | Fetty Wap arrested on federal drug charges |
| August 2022 | Fetty Wap pleads guilty to federal drug conspiracy |
| November 2022 | Fetty Wap scheduled to be sentenced |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Fetty Wap is currently in federal prison due to serious drug trafficking charges that he pled guilty to in August 2022. He was a high-level distributor in a major drug ring distributing large amounts of controlled substances. Fetty Wap is facing 5-40 years in prison when he is sentenced in November 2022. His music career is on hold for now until he completes his prison sentence and supervised release. Fetty Wap’s story is an example of the downfalls and consequences that can come with fame and illegal activity in the rap music industry. For now, his future is uncertain as he awaits final sentencing for his pivotal role in a drug trafficking conspiracy.