A federal magistrate judge ordered Memphis rapper Pooh Shiesty to remain in custody after prosecutors outlined an alleged kidnapping conspiracy tied to fellow rapper Gucci Mane.
During a detention hearing, the court found probable cause supporting the government’s allegations against the artist, whose legal name is Lontrell Williams Jr. The ruling allows federal prosecutors to hold Williams while the criminal case proceeds.
According to the federal complaint, investigators allege Williams helped orchestrate a kidnapping scheme targeting Gucci Mane during a meeting in Dallas on Jan. 10, 2026.
Authorities claim the Atlanta rapper, born Radric Davis, traveled to Dallas expecting a business discussion. Instead, investigators say he encountered armed individuals linked to the alleged plot.
Prosecutors allege Davis later told police he was forced at gunpoint to sign a document releasing Williams from a music agreement. Investigators also claim Davis and four others were robbed during the encounter.
Federal agents detailed the allegations during the detention hearing. Authorities unsealed the complaint last week following arrests tied to the alleged conspiracy.
Rapper Pooh Shiesty Denied Bond By Dallas Federal Judge In Gucci Mane Kidnapping Case
Law enforcement detained Williams in Texas on April 2, marking his first federal court appearance in the matter.
Defense attorney Bradford Cohen challenged the government’s narrative, arguing the timeline and witness statements raise credibility concerns.
“The statements that were given on the evening that this occurred were very questionable,” Cohen said during the hearing.
Cohen also questioned how investigators interpreted those accounts.
“I think the way the statements were made, what was made, what allegedly was witnessed, and wasn’t witnessed, gave great pause to the FBI,” he added.
Prosecutors argued detention remained necessary as the case moves forward. The court ultimately agreed, citing Williams’ criminal history and circumstances surrounding the alleged Dallas incident.
The judge also noted Williams allegedly lacked authorization to travel to Dallas at the time prosecutors say the crime occurred.
Those factors, the court concluded, justified continued detention pending further proceedings.
The case now advances toward pretrial litigation in federal court. A trial date has not been scheduled.
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