Attorneys for Memphis rapper Pooh Shiesty spoke publicly Wednesday following a federal court hearing, pushing back against the government’s case as the artist faces serious kidnapping and robbery charges tied to an alleged incident earlier this year.
During the hearing, a federal judge ruled that the rapper—whose legal name is Lontrell Williams Jr.—will remain in custody pending trial, citing concerns over public safety and the strength of the evidence presented by prosecutors.
After the proceeding, defense attorney Bradford Cohen criticized the prosecution’s case, arguing that it contains inconsistencies and relies heavily on disputed testimony.
In court, Cohen described the government’s evidence as “unusual” and suggested that witness accounts were inconsistent, stating that “the testimony is all over the place.”
In a separate statement earlier this week, Cohen also said there appears to be a “significant gap” between what federal investigators claim and the actual evidence reviewed by the defense team.
Another member of the defense team, John Helms, indicated that the legal team plans to present a version of events that differs sharply from the government’s narrative. He emphasized that the situation is more complex than it appears and hinted at underlying business disputes within the music industry.
Federal prosecutors allege that the incident occurred on January 10, 2026, at a recording studio in Dallas. According to authorities, the meeting was arranged as a business discussion regarding a recording contract connected to rapper Gucci Mane’s 1017 label.
Instead, investigators claim the meeting turned into a coordinated armed robbery and kidnapping.
Authorities allege that Pooh Shiesty and several co-defendants:
- Brandished firearms, including an AK-style weapon
- Forced at least one victim to sign a contract release at gunpoint
- Stole valuables such as cash, jewelry, and Rolex watches
- Prevented victims from leaving the studio during the incident
Some victims were also reportedly assaulted, with one nearly losing consciousness during the encounter.
Prosecutors further allege that the suspects later posted images of stolen items on social media, which became part of the evidence in the case.
A total of nine individuals, including the rapper’s father and associates, have been charged in connection with the incident. If convicted, they could face sentences of up to life in prison.
Despite the seriousness of the charges, the defense maintains that the government’s case is flawed.
Cohen and his team have pointed to:
- Alleged inconsistencies in witness statements
- Questions about the timeline of the investigation
- What they describe as gaps between evidence and accusations
The defense has also suggested that the situation may stem from a complicated business dispute rather than a criminal conspiracy.
With the judge ordering Pooh Shiesty to remain in custody, the case will now move toward trial, where both sides are expected to present more detailed evidence and testimony.
Legal analysts note that the case could become a high-profile courtroom battle, given the severity of the charges and the involvement of prominent figures in the music industry.
Video Credit: FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth
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