Rapper Fetty Wap was sentenced to six years in federal prison on Wednesday for his role in a New York-based drug-trafficking scheme.
The “Trap Queen” rapper, whose legal name is Willie Maxwell, pleaded guilty in August 2022 to a conspiracy drug charge that carried a mandatory minimum sentence of five years. The sentence was handed down in federal court on Long Island.
Maxwell apologized for his actions and told the judge, “Me being selfish in my pride put me in this position today.” His lawyers had suggested he turned to selling drugs because of financial hardship brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Maxwell was arrested in October 2021 on charges of participating in a conspiracy to smuggle large amounts of heroin, fentanyl and other drugs into the New York City area.
The New Jersey-born rapper and five co-defendants were accused of conspiring to possess and distribute more than 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of heroin, fentanyl and crack cocaine between June 2019 and June 2020.
Prosecutors said the scheme involved using the U.S. Postal Service and cars with hidden compartments to move drugs from the West Coast to Long Island, where they were stored for distribution to dealers on Long Island and in New Jersey.
Maxwell pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess controlled substances, the top charge in an indictment against him, admitting that he participated in a massive drug trafficking racket. The plea, which pertained only to cocaine, spared him from a potential life sentence if he had been convicted on all the charges he faced.
Maxwell's lawyers had hoped for the minimum five-year prison term, while prosecutors sought a longer sentence.
“This is a sad day,”' defense attorney Elizabeth Macedonio said. “This is a kid from Paterson, New Jersey who made it out.”
She said Maxwell “accepts responsibility for his conduct.”
Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher Caffarone said the prosecution was not about Maxwell's fame as a performer.
“The defendant did actually sell drugs,” Caffarone said. “The defendant did actually sell cocaine.”
Judge Joanna Seybert told Maxwell, “You've got a lot going for you. See if you can put it together.”
Maxwell rose to prominence after his debut single, the melodic but grungy “Trap Queen,” reached No. 2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart in May 2015. The song talks about a lover having your back — even if that means helping you cook and sell drugs.
On this episode of Cheddar Innovates: Vision Marine Technologies CEO discusses how e-boats will play a role in the fight against the climate crisis; Lasso CEO breaks down how the design behind these compression socks can prevent injuries and improve performance; Cheddar gets a look at Curiosity Stream's 'The Tombs Of Egypt.'
Catriona Campbell, CTIO, UK and Ireland, EY, joins Cheddar News to discuss how business leaders can bridge the gap between their technology investments and their aspirations, and breaks down the human aspects of A.I.
Tens of thousands of people have fled Ukraine in attempts to escape the Russian Invasion. According to the U.N. neighboring countries like Poland, Hungary, and even Romania have seen half a million refugees. While the hospitality is being welcomed by many, it also highlights the mistreatment of migrants and refugees from the Middle East and Africa. Professor of Philosophy and Director of Politics at Northeastern University Serena Parekh, joined Cheddar, to discuss more.
New York's MTA unveiled a new plan to boost the safety for the Big Apple's public transit system to go into effect on the heels of a violent weekend on the subways. The six separate attacks follow a rise of 60 percent in violent subway crimes year to date. The plan will attempt to address the surge in violence, as well as separately offer services to the homeless found within the system, according to the transportation authority. Cheddar's Chloe Aiello explains.
On this episode of Cheddar Reveals, Kim Severson, National Food Correspondent, The New York Times, dives into some of the top trends in the food industry for the upcoming year; Renowned Harlem chef & restaurateur Melba Wilson discusses her inspirations and rise in the food industry, and giving back to her community through food; Cheddar gets a look at Curiosity Stream's 'The History of Food.'
Kim Severson, National Food Correspondent, The New York Times, joins Cheddar Reveals to dive into some of the top trends in the food industry for the upcoming year.
Renowned Harlem chef & restaurateur Melba Wilson joins Cheddar to discuss her inspirations and rise in the food industry, and giving back to her community through food.
A Gallup poll finds that now 7.1% of American adults identify as LGBTQ, jumping from 3.5% in 2012. The increase is driven by Generation-Z – those born between 1997 and 2003 – of whom one out of five identify as LGBTQ. Cheddar News speaks with Washington Blade reporter Chris Johnson about the significant shift.
