As family and friends appeared on, rapper Fetty Wap on Wednesday apologized for his actions and mentioned he was “exactly where I’m supposed to be,” earlier than a decide sentenced him to 6 years in federal jail for his position in a New York-based drug-trafficking scheme.
The Trap Queen rapper, whose authorized identify is Willie Maxwell, pleaded responsible in August 2022 to a conspiracy drug cost that carried a compulsory minimal sentence of 5 years. The sentence was handed down in federal court docket on Long Island.
Maxwell advised U.S. District Judge Joanna Seybert, “Me being selfish in my pride put me in this position today.” His legal professionals had prompt he turned to promoting medication due to monetary hardship introduced on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Maxwell was arrested in October 2021 on expenses of taking part in a conspiracy to smuggle massive quantities of heroin, fentanyl and different medication into the New York City space.
The New Jersey-born rapper and 5 co-defendants have been accused of conspiring to own and distribute greater than 100 kilograms (220 kilos) of heroin, fentanyl and crack cocaine between June 2019 and June 2020.
Prosecutors mentioned the scheme concerned utilizing the U.S. Postal Service and automobiles with hidden compartments to maneuver medication from the West Coast to Long Island, the place they have been saved for distribution to sellers on Long Island and in New Jersey.
Maxwell pleaded responsible to conspiracy to distribute and possess managed substances, the highest cost in an indictment towards him, admitting that he participated in an enormous drug trafficking racket. The plea, which pertained solely to cocaine, spared him from a possible life sentence if he had been convicted on all the costs he confronted.
Maxwell’s legal professionals had hoped for the minimal five-year jail time period, whereas prosecutors sought an extended sentence.
“This is a sad day,” protection lawyer Elizabeth Macedonio mentioned. “This is a kid from Paterson, New Jersey who made it out.”
She mentioned Maxwell “accepts responsibility for his conduct.”
Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Caffarone mentioned the prosecution was not about Maxwell’s fame as a performer.
“The defendant did actually sell drugs,” Caffarone mentioned. “The defendant did actually sell cocaine.”
Seybert advised 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 however grungy Trap Queen, reached No. 2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart in May 2015. The music talks a couple of lover having your again — even when which means serving to you prepare dinner and promote medication.
He was nominated for 2 Grammy Awards in 2016.
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