Pooh Shiesty has officially pleaded not guilty to federal kidnapping and extortion charges stemming from a high-profile incident involving Gucci Mane. According to reports, the Memphis rapper entered his plea to five federal counts during an arraignment held in Dallas, Texas, on Friday, May 8, 2026.
The charges are linked to a January 10 incident where Gucci Mane and several other individuals were allegedly kidnapped and robbed at a recording studio in Dallas. The legal team representing Pooh Shiesty, led by attorneys Kent Schaffer and Saam Zangeneh, issued a statement expressing 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’s a highly defensible case and we’re hoping to have Lontrell back in the recording studio very soon,” the statement read.
Schaffer recently took over the case following the withdrawal of former attorney Bradford Cohen. The legal proceedings also involve other co-defendants, including big30 and the rapper’s father, Lontrell Williams, Sr., both of whom previously entered not guilty pleas in late April. All parties involved remain in custody as the case moves forward.
If convicted on these federal charges, the defendants could face significant prison time, including the possibility of life sentences. The investigation continues as the court prepares for future proceedings.