From Life in Prison to a Life of Purpose: The Story of Danielle Metz

Danielle Metz’s life story is one of dramatic turns—from a young mother swept into a notorious drug empire to a woman reclaiming her purpose after more than two decades behind bars. Once sentenced to three life terms for her involvement in the New Orleans drug underworld, Metz is now a symbol of resilience and redemption, dedicated to uplifting communities affected by incarceration.

Born and raised in a middle-class neighborhood just miles from the infamous St. Thomas Projects, Danielle Metz had aspirations shaped by her supportive family. Her parents hoped she would pursue a career in nursing, but life had different plans. As a teen, Danielle became a single mother and dropped out of school after the father of her child was killed—a tragic reflection of the violence engulfing New Orleans during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

At 18, she met and married Glen Metz, a rising figure in the city's drug scene. Glen led the Metz Gang, one of New Orleans’ earliest and most feared street crews. Operating at the height of the city’s crime wave, Glen was reportedly responsible for trafficking over a thousand kilos of cocaine and was linked to at least 20 murders. His enforcers were infamous for riding through the city in an armored pickup truck with the word “Homicide” painted in gold on the hood.

Danielle, at Glen’s urging, began making drug runs—including a fateful trip to Houston with her aunt that pulled her deeper into the criminal enterprise.

In 1992, federal authorities indicted Glen Metz, Danielle, and several associates. Glen was captured in Las Vegas, and Danielle—listed as a fugitive—was eventually arrested in Mississippi. The charges were severe. Despite being offered a plea deal in exchange for testifying, Danielle refused to cooperate with federal prosecutors. That decision cost her dearly: at just 26 years old, she was sentenced to three life sentences without parole.

While Glen’s empire crumbled, Danielle spent the next 23 years at the Dublin Federal Correctional Institution in California, far from her children and family.

In 2016, Danielle Metz’s story took another dramatic turn—this time toward freedom. As part of President Barack Obama’s push for clemency for non-violent drug offenders, Metz was granted a commutation of her sentence. Her release reflected changes in federal sentencing laws and growing awareness around the impact of harsh drug penalties, especially on women and communities of color.

Upon her release, now in her 50s, Danielle didn’t shy away from her past. Instead, she embraced a new mission: to help others rebuild their lives after incarceration.

Today, Danielle Metz is a Community Health Worker at the Formerly Incarcerated Transition Clinic, where she supports men and women navigating the challenges of re-entry. Drawing from her own lived experiences, she advocates for compassion, healthcare access, and second chances.

Her journey from federal prison to frontline community care is nothing short of inspiring. Metz has become a beacon of hope, proving that no matter how far someone falls, redemption and purpose are still possible.

Danielle Metz’s story is a powerful reminder of the devastating reach of America’s drug war, the consequences of loyalty in the face of injustice, and the enduring human spirit. As she continues to rebuild her life, she stands as a voice for the voiceless—especially women affected by the criminal justice system.

Her transformation underscores an urgent need for compassionate reform and for society to recognize the value in rehabilitation over punishment.

In Danielle’s words and work, we are reminded: people can change, and second chances matter.