Rapper Fetty Wap Busted For Drug Distribution

Mr. Fetty Wap

The rapper Fetty Wap and five other men have been charged with running a multimillion-dollar drug trafficking ring that distributed more than 100 kilograms of deadly opioids, including fentanyl and heroin, on Long Island and in New Jersey, federal prosecutors said Friday.

Newsday reports William Junior Maxwell II, 30, of Paterson, New Jersey, also known as Fetty Wap, and the others — including three from Suffolk County — were charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess controlled substances, according to a superseding indictment unsealed Friday.

Prosecutors said the other defendants were also charged with using firearms in connection with a drug trafficking crime.

"As alleged, the defendants transported, distributed and sold more than 100 kilograms of deadly and addictive drugs, including heroin and fentanyl, on Long Island, deliberately contributing to the opioid epidemic that has devastated our communities and taken too many lives," U.S. Attorney Breon Peace said in a statement.

Maxwell, a two-time Grammy nominee who gained notoriety with the 2014 hit single "Trap Queen," was arrested late Thursday afternoon by FBI agents at Citi Field in Queens, where he was billed as a performer at the Rolling Loud music festival. U.S. Magistrate Judge Steven Locke ordered Maxwell held without bail during a virtual arraignment in federal court in Central Islip.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob Kubetz, who requested a delay to the speedy trial statute that requires the government to bring a case to trial 70 days from a defendant's initial court appearance, told the judge: "I also understand that defense counsel would like the opportunity to engage in plea negotiations with us."

Kubetz added that Maxwell, if convicted, could face 10 years to life in prison under federal sentencing guidelines.

Defense attorney Elizabeth Macedonio, who represented Maxwell during the arraignment, did not object to Maxwell's detention without bail. Maxwell confirmed to the judge he waived his right to a speedy trial until Nov. 24.