Pooh Shiesty has entered a plea of not guilty to federal kidnapping and extortion charges stemming from a high-profile case involving Gucci Mane. The arraignment took place on Friday, May 8, 2026, in Dallas, Texas, where the Memphis rapper faced five federal counts.
According to reports, the charges are linked to a January 10 incident at a Dallas recording studio, where it is alleged that Gucci Mane and other victims were held against their will and robbed. The situation reportedly involved the victims being forced to sign contract release forms under duress.
In a statement regarding the proceedings, Pooh Shiesty’s legal team, led by attorneys Kent Schaffer and Saam Zangeneh, expressed confidence in their defense. “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 is a highly defensible case and we are hoping to have Lontrell back in the recording studio very soon,” the statement read.
This legal development follows the departure of the rapper’s former attorney, Bradford Cohen, who withdrew from the case last month. Cohen had previously suggested that the prosecution’s evidence was insufficient.
Pooh Shiesty, born Lontrell Williams Jr., remains in custody at the Kaufman County Jail in Texas. The case also involves several other individuals, including his father, Lontrell Williams Sr., and rapper Big30, both of whom also entered not guilty pleas in late April. If convicted on these federal charges, the defendants could face significant prison time, including the possibility of life sentences.
XXL has reached out to the defense for further comment as the legal process continues.
