Rapper Pooh Shiesty will remain in federal custody after a Texas federal judge denied his second bid for pretrial release in a kidnapping and extortion case accusing him of forcing rapper Gucci Mane to terminate a recording contract at gunpoint.
U.S. District Judge David Godbey ruled Tuesday that Lontrell Williams Jr., the Memphis rapper known professionally as Pooh Shiesty, failed to demonstrate that any proposed release conditions could protect the public while he awaits his scheduled February 2027 trial.
“There is no condition or combination of conditions that would protect the public,” Godbey said during the detention hearing, describing Williams as “a dangerous person.”
Williams has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Defense counsel proposed a stringent supervision plan that included retaining Houston-based PPI Security for 24-hour monitoring at a projected cost of up to $700,000. Brandon Bess, the firm’s chief investigator, testified that the security measures would mirror those provided to a state attorney general and would ensure immediate reporting of any violations. Godbey rejected the proposal.
Judge Denies Rapper Pooh Shiesty (Lontrell Williams Jr) Bond Again Over Gucci Mane Case In Dallas Federal Court
Federal prosecutors argued that Williams allegedly committed the charged offenses while serving a term of supervised release following his 2022 federal firearms conspiracy conviction. They contended that prior court supervision failed to deter the alleged conduct.
According to the indictment, Williams arranged a January 2026 meeting with Gucci Mane, whose legal name is Radric Davis, at a Dallas recording studio under the pretense of discussing business. Prosecutors allege Williams then displayed an AK-style Draco pistol and compelled Davis to release him from his contract with The New 1017 Records.
Court filings further allege that fellow Memphis rapper Big30 recorded part of the encounter. Prosecutors contend the video captures Davis verbally releasing Williams from the recording agreement.
The government also alleges Williams received unauthorized travel passes from a former community supervision officer who was later dismissed. Prosecutors argue those violations further support continued detention.
Williams is scheduled to stand trial on Feb. 22, 2027, and will remain in federal custody pending trial.
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