Rapper Pooh Shiesty Denied Bail in Alleged Gucci Mane Kidnapping

Judge cites 'credible evidence' in high-profile case involving 1017 Records boss

Apr. 8, 2026 at 10:50pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of shattered glass reflecting a faint red light, conveying a sense of violence and disruption without depicting any actual people or objects.A recent wave of alleged music industry violence exposes the dark underbelly of the business.Dallas Today

Rapper Pooh Shiesty (Lontrell Williams Jr.) was denied bail after a federal judge found 'credible evidence' that he allegedly kidnapped Gucci Mane and forced the 1017 Records boss to sign a label deal release at gunpoint in a Dallas recording studio incident in January. Shiesty faces up to life in prison if convicted on charges of kidnapping and conspiracy to commit kidnapping.

Why it matters

The high-profile case involving two prominent figures in the rap industry has raised concerns about the use of force and coercion in the music business, as well as the legal challenges facing artists who try to extricate themselves from record deals.

The details

According to court documents, Shiesty and eight alleged co-conspirators, including his father and rapper Big30, are accused of barricading the recording studio and robbing Mane's associates of Rolex watches, a 1017 chain, and a Louis Vuitton bag. Shiesty's attorney, Bradford Cohen, argued that the case rests on 'very questionable' witness statements and lacks physical evidence such as a contract, guns, or stolen items.

  • The alleged incident occurred in January 2026, just a few months after Shiesty's release from prison on federal gun charges.
  • Shiesty was denied bail following an evidentiary hearing on April 8, 2026.

The players

Pooh Shiesty

Also known as Lontrell Williams Jr., a rapper who was recently released from prison on federal gun charges and is now facing kidnapping and conspiracy charges.

Gucci Mane

Also known as Radric Davis, the head of 1017 Records who was allegedly kidnapped and forced to sign a label deal release at gunpoint.

Bradford Cohen

Pooh Shiesty's attorney, who argued that the case against his client rests on 'very questionable' witness statements and lacks physical evidence.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The FBI doesn't take three months to arrest someone if they believe everything that was said on the night that it occurred.”

— Bradford Cohen, Pooh Shiesty's attorney

“They have no contract. They have no video of this alleged signing of a contract. They have no guns. They have no jewelry. They have none of that physical evidence.”

— Bradford Cohen, Pooh Shiesty's attorney

What’s next

Pooh Shiesty will remain in jail as the case against him proceeds, with a potential life sentence if he is convicted on the kidnapping and conspiracy charges.

The takeaway

This high-profile case highlights the ongoing tensions and power dynamics within the music industry, where artists may feel pressured to sign deals or face threats of violence. It also raises questions about the legal challenges facing artists who seek to extricate themselves from record contracts.