'Why Did Fetty Wap Go To Jail?' Answering The Popular Query As Rapper Gets Released 11 Months Prior

After spending nearly three years behind bars, Fetty Wap has come back home much earlier than expected. His early release has reignited questions about why the hitmaker was detained in the first place, and what changed behind bars that led to his early transfer from prison to home confinement. One of the most popular queries on the internet right now is: "Why did Fetty Wap go to jail?" Here's what happened.

Fetty Wap granted an early release from prison

Fetty Wap was released on January 8, 2026, nearly 11 months earlier than his scheduled release date, which was reportedly sometime in December 2026. According to CNN, the 34-year-old was transferred from Federal Correctional Institution Sandstone in Minnesota to home confinement, where he will be kept under supervision until November 8, 2026. 

While the Federal Bureau of Prisons has not publicly detailed the exact reasons for his early release, such reductions are often tied to good conduct time, participation in rehabilitation programs, and earned time credits. After his release, the rapper released a statement to Billboard:

“I want to thank my family, friends, and fans for the love, prayers, and continued support — it truly means everything to me. 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.”

Shortly after his release, the rapper confirmed the same on his Instagram stories, writing "HOME" in white letters over a black background. He has reportedly committed to taking the next step with "purpose and making a meaningful impact where it matters most.”

Why was Fetty Wap arrested?

In October 2021, police detained Fetty Wap in Queens, New York, shortly before his scheduled performance at Rolling Loud NYC. Federal prosecutors alleged he played a key role in a large-scale drug trafficking operation that moved cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and crack cocaine across New York and New Jersey between 2019 and 2020.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Fetty was a "kilogram-level redistributor,” who helped in trafficking more than 100 kilograms of illegal drugs. According to prosecutors, the group of traffickers used vehicles with hidden compartments and even the U.S. Postal Service to transport narcotics from the West Coast.

Although Fetty initially pleaded not guilty and was released on a bond worth USD 500K, his bond was revoked in August 2022, when prosecutors accused him of violating his release terms by possessing a firearm and threatening someone via FaceTime. Not long after this, the rapper pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess and distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

Who is Fetty Wap?

Before his downfall, Fetty Wap (legal name Willie Junior Maxwell II) was one of hip-hop's biggest breakout stars who rose to fame in 2015 with his hit, Trap Queen, which peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and later received a diamond certification. That same year, he followed up his breakout success with multiple top-10 singles, including 679 and My Way, officially becoming a powerful hitmaker of his era. His rapid rise earned him Grammy nominations and Billboard’s Top New Artist honour in 2016.

In his personal life, Fetty has been married once to Leandra K. Gonzalez, but it ended within six months. He has reportedly had multiple relationships over the years and has fathered six children with different women. In 2021, the rapper lost his youngest daughter to congenital cardiac anomalies.

What are your thoughts on Fetty Wap's early release?

Read Next: Is MLB's Max Kelper Married? Everything We Know Amid His 80 Game Ban For Failing Substance Screening

AWESOME NEWS! Now you can download BollywoodShaadis app and never miss a story. Get App

AWESOME NEWS! Now you can download BollywoodShaadis app and never miss a story. Choose your device Android or IOS (Apple)