A federal judge in Texas has ordered rapper Pooh Shiesty, whose legal name is Lontrell Williams Jr., to remain in custody due to kidnapping charges related to an incident involving a contract dispute with Gucci Mane's record label, 1017 Records. The ruling was made during a hearing on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in Dallas, presided over by U.S. Magistrate Judge Renee Harris Toliver.
During the hearing, prosecutors presented evidence regarding a confrontation that occurred at a music studio in January. Pooh Shiesty is accused, along with eight accomplices, of robbing two victims at gunpoint. While the identities of the victims remain undisclosed, one is believed to be R.D., the owner of 1017 Records, associated with rapper Gucci Mane, whose legal name is Radric Delantic Davis.
Judge Toliver expressed her belief that the weight of the evidence against Pooh Shiesty was substantial, citing his previous criminal history and a violation of a home confinement order stemming from an earlier firearms conspiracy conviction in Florida. The judge highlighted these factors while deciding to keep the rapper in custody.
Pooh Shiesty's attorney, Bradford Cohen, questioned the credibility of the prosecution's evidence, suggesting that the FBI typically does not take extended periods, like three months, to arrest suspects unless they have significant doubts about the reliability of the accounts provided on the night of the incident. Cohen's statements imply that the underlying circumstances surrounding the arrest could be more complex than presented.
According to an affidavit associated with the criminal complaint, the rapper allegedly orchestrated the meeting with the owner of 1017 Records to negotiate the terms of his contract. During the meeting, Pooh Shiesty reportedly produced termination paperwork and brandished what appeared to be an AK-style pistol, coercing the label owner into signing the documents. Following this act of intimidation, he allegedly stole personal items from the man, including a wedding ring, a watch, earrings, and cash.
Though originally from Memphis, Tennessee, Pooh Shiesty had been residing in a high-rise apartment in Frisco, a suburb of Dallas, at the time of the incident. It was noted that several co-defendants traveled from Memphis to Dallas for the meeting, suggesting a coordinated effort related to the alleged crime.
Gucci Mane, known as one of the pioneers of trap music alongside artists such as T.I. and Jeezy, has made a significant impact on the music industry since his rise to fame in the mid-2000s with his hit single "Icy." His record label, 1017 Records, has been a platform for many emerging artists in the genre.
This case highlights the complex intersections of music industry relations and legal challenges faced by artists, as well as the ongoing safety concerns within the entertainment sector. The proceedings ahead will determine the legal consequences for Pooh Shiesty and his co-defendants in relation to the charges they face.
