Posted by Pooh Shiesty has officially 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, in Dallas, Texas, where the Memphis rapper faced five federal counts.
According to reports, including coverage from TMZ and journalist Bryson “Boom” Paul, the charges are linked to a January 10 incident. Prosecutors allege that Pooh Shiesty, along with his father Lontrell Williams, Sr., Big30, and several other associates, lured the veteran rapper to a Dallas recording studio. Once there, the group allegedly robbed him and coerced him into signing a contract release form at gunpoint.
Legal Defense Strategy
In a statement regarding the proceedings, Pooh Shiesty’s new legal team, Kent Schaffer and Saam Zangeneh, expressed confidence in their client’s position. “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,” the attorneys stated.
Schaffer has taken over the case following the withdrawal of Bradford Cohen, who stepped down from representing the rapper last month. Prior to his departure, Cohen had publicly questioned the strength of the prosecution’s evidence, suggesting that the case against his former client was flawed.
Current Status of the Case
Pooh Shiesty, born Lontrell Williams, Jr., remains in custody at the Kaufman County Jail in Texas. His co-defendants, including his father and Big30, also entered not guilty pleas on April 30 in the District Court for the Northern District of Texas. Both men remain incarcerated after their bonds were revoked. If convicted on the federal charges, the defendants could face life imprisonment.
@TheJusticeDept v. @pooh_shiesty / @BigThirty375:
— Bryson “Boom” Paul (@brysonboompaul) May 8, 2026
At Friday’s arraignment on 5 federal counts of kidnapping and extortion in the January 10, 2026 incident involving rapper @gucci1017. Memphis rapper Pooh Shiesty, real name Lontrell Williams Jr., entered a plea of “Not Guilty” to… pic.twitter.com/Zdk26DTDV3
The legal battle continues as both sides await further scheduling orders from the court.