Pooh Shiesty Pleads Not Guilty in Federal Kidnapping and Robbery Case Involving Gucci Mane
Rapper Pooh Shiesty has officially pleaded not guilty to federal charges of kidnapping and extortion. The charges stem from a violent incident in Dallas, Texas, involving fellow artist Gucci Mane and several other victims.
During his arraignment on Friday, May 8, Pooh Shiesty—born Lontrell Williams Jr.—entered a not guilty plea to five federal counts. The case centers on an incident that occurred on January 10, where victims were allegedly lured to a Dallas recording studio, robbed, and forced to sign a contract release form at gunpoint.
Legal Defense and Strategy
The Memphis rapper is now represented by attorneys Kent Schaffer and Saam Zangeneh, who took over the case after former lawyer Bradford Cohen withdrew last month. Before leaving the case, Cohen indicated that the prosecution’s evidence contained significant “holes” and expressed belief that Pooh Shiesty could beat the charges.
In a recent statement, Schaffer and Zangeneh emphasized their confidence in the defense, stating: “We are awaiting a scheduling order from the court. Although we have not seen all of the evidence in the case it is apparent that it’s a highly defensible case and we’re hoping to have Lontrell back in the recording studio very soon.”
Co-Defendants and Potential Penalties
Pooh Shiesty is not the only individual facing charges in this investigation. He was arrested alongside eight other men, including his father, Lontrell Williams Sr., and rapper Big30 (born Rodney Wright Jr.).
On April 30, both Big30 and Lontrell Williams Sr. Also pleaded not guilty in the District Court for the Northern District of Texas. Both men remain in custody after their bonds were revoked.
The stakes for the defendants are exceptionally high; if convicted on these federal charges, Pooh Shiesty, Big30, and their co-defendants could face life in prison.
Current Status
Lontrell Williams Jr. Is currently being held at the Kaufman County Jail in Texas as the legal process unfolds. The defense continues to review evidence while awaiting further scheduling from the court.
- The Plea: Pooh Shiesty pleaded not guilty to five federal counts of kidnapping and extortion on May 8.
- The Incident: Allegations involve a January 10 robbery at a Dallas recording studio where Gucci Mane was forced to sign a document at gunpoint.
- Co-Defendants: Big30 and Lontrell Williams Sr. Have also pleaded not guilty and remain jailed.
- Potential Sentence: Conviction could result in a life sentence.
- Current Location: Pooh Shiesty is housed at the Kaufman County Jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the primary defendants in the Gucci Mane case?
The primary defendants include rapper Pooh Shiesty (Lontrell Williams Jr.), his father Lontrell Williams Sr., and rapper Big30 (Rodney Wright Jr.), along with six other men.
What specifically are the charges against Pooh Shiesty?
He faces five federal counts of kidnapping and extortion related to the January 10 incident in Dallas.
Where is Pooh Shiesty currently located?
He is currently being held at the Kaufman County Jail in Texas.