Carlos Coy, better known to the world as SPM (South Park Mexican), has been behind bars for over two decades. People still search for his name every single day. Why? Because the Houston rapper built a cult following that refuses to let his music die, despite the heavy, dark nature of the crimes that put him there. If you’re looking for a quick answer, yes, is SPM in jail is still a "yes" as of early 2026. He isn't walking free yet.
The story is messy. It's full of legal jargon, decades of appeals, and a fan base that often clashes with the harsh reality of his conviction. In 2002, Coy was sentenced to 45 years in prison for aggravated sexual assault of a child. That wasn't a short stint. It was a life-altering sentence that effectively ended his mainstream career right as it was peaking with major label deals and national radio play.
Where is SPM being held right now?
He’s currently housed in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) system. Specifically, he has spent a significant chunk of time at the Ramsey Unit in Rosharon, Texas. It’s a high-security environment. Not exactly the glamorous lifestyle he portrayed in his music videos during the late 90s.
Prison life for Coy hasn't been silent. He’s managed to release a staggering amount of music from behind those brick walls. It’s kinda surreal. You have an inmate serving time for a first-degree felony, yet his record label, Dope House Records, continues to drop "new" material—mostly unreleased verses and remastered tracks—that keeps him relevant in the underground Houston scene. Honestly, his longevity is a weird case study in branding.
The big question: When does SPM get out?
This is where things get complicated. You’ll see different dates floating around the internet. Some fans claim he’s coming home next month; others say he’s never leaving. The truth is in the TDCJ records.
- Maximum Release Date: May 30, 2047.
- Parole Eligibility: This is the date everyone watches. Coy became eligible for parole years ago, but eligibility does not mean approval.
Texas is notoriously tough on parole for sex offenders. The board looks at the nature of the crime, the behavior of the inmate, and the potential risk to the community. Every time his name comes up for review, it’s a gamble. He has been denied multiple times. The board often cites the "nature of the offense" as the primary reason for keeping him locked up. It's a standard move in Texas for cases involving minors.
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You have to realize that 45 years is a long time. Even with "good time" credits, those don't apply to his specific conviction in the way they might for a non-violent drug offense. He has to serve a massive portion of that time "flat."
The legal battles and the "Free SPM" movement
If you spend five minutes on YouTube or Instagram, you’ll see the "Free SPM" hashtags. His family and his legal team have fought tooth and nail for years. They’ve filed appeals. They’ve claimed he didn't get a fair trial. They’ve pointed to alleged inconsistencies in testimony.
But here is the reality: The courts haven't budged.
The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals and various federal courts have reviewed his filings. Most have been dismissed or denied. In the eyes of the law, the case is settled. While his supporters see him as a victim of a corrupt system or a target because of his success, the judicial records tell a story of a jury that heard the evidence and decided on a 45-year punishment.
The legacy of Dope House Records
It’s impossible to talk about SPM being in jail without talking about his influence on Chicano rap. He basically paved the road. Before the arrest, he was the king of the independent hustle. He was selling hundreds of thousands of CDs out of the trunk of his car before Universal Music Group came knocking with a multi-million dollar distribution deal.
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He wasn't just a rapper; he was a CEO.
Even now, his music generates millions of streams. Songs like "High So High" or "Wiggy" are staples in certain parts of the country. It creates this bizarre friction. You have the artist whose music brings people together at car shows and parties, and then you have the man who was convicted of a heinous crime. Most people find it hard to square those two things.
Why people still care in 2026
Nostalgia is powerful. People who grew up in the 90s and early 2000s associate his voice with their youth. They remember the chopped and screwed remixes and the pride he brought to the Hispanic community in Houston. That loyalty is why the question is SPM in jail keeps trending every few months whenever a rumor starts on TikTok that he’s been spotted at a gas station or released on a technicality.
He hasn't been. Those rumors are almost always fake. They're usually just clips from old concert footage or someone who looks vaguely like him.
What happens if he actually gets paroled?
If Coy ever does get paroled before 2047, his life won't go back to normal. He would be a registered sex offender for the rest of his life. There are strict rules about where he can live, where he can travel, and who he can be around. The transition from a cell to the outside world after 25+ years is jarring for anyone, let alone someone who was once a local superstar.
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He’d likely go back to the studio. That’s his comfort zone. But the industry has changed. The world has changed. When he went in, people were using flip phones and buying CDs at Best Buy. Now, it's all algorithms and viral snippets.
Understanding the Texas Parole Board's mindset
The board isn't just looking at Coy. They’re looking at the political climate. Giving parole to a high-profile inmate convicted of a crime against a child is a PR nightmare for any elected official or appointed board member. They tend to play it safe.
Unless there is a massive shift in his legal status—like a DNA breakthrough or a witness recanting with undeniable proof—he is likely going to serve the majority of that 45-year sentence.
Actionable facts for those following the case
If you want to keep tabs on his status without falling for the "fake news" cycle, here is how you do it:
- Check the TDCJ Inmate Search: This is the only source of truth. Use his full name (Carlos Coy) or his SID number. If his status changes from "In Custody" to "Parole," you'll see it there first.
- Verify the "Next Parole Review" date: Every time he is denied, the board sets a new date, usually a year or two out. Mark that date if you’re tracking the case.
- Ignore TikTok "Leaks": Unless a major news outlet like the Houston Chronicle or KHOU 11 reports it, the "SPM is free" videos are clickbait.
- Understand the charge: Research "Texas 45-year sentence for aggravated sexual assault." It will give you a clearer picture of why his release is so heavily scrutinized compared to other rappers who have gone to jail.
The saga of Carlos Coy is a grim reminder of how fast a legacy can be derailed. He remains one of the most successful independent artists in Texas history, but his story is permanently tethered to the walls of a prison cell. Whether you view him as a legend or a criminal, the legal system has made its stance clear: SPM is staying put for the foreseeable future.