Pooh Shiesty is currently in federal custody, awaiting trial on federal kidnapping and robbery charges. His trial is scheduled to begin on July 6, 2026, in Dallas, Texas — and if convicted, the Memphis rapper could face life in federal prison. The case, which stems from an alleged armed takeover at a Dallas recording studio involving Gucci Mane, is one of the most talked-about criminal cases in hip-hop in 2026. This article explains everything you need to know about Pooh Shiesty’s trial, the charges against him, and what could happen next.
Last updated: May 29, 2026
Who Is Pooh Shiesty?
Pooh Shiesty — real name Lontrell Devonta Williams Jr. — is a rapper from South Memphis, Tennessee. He rose to prominence in 2020 after being signed to Atlanta rapper Gucci Mane’s label, 1017 Records, in partnership with Atlantic Records. His debut mixtape Shiesty Season (2021) debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 and included the hit single “Back in Blood” featuring Lil Durk.
Despite his rapid rise to fame, Shiesty’s career has been repeatedly disrupted by serious legal trouble, including a prior federal prison sentence that kept him off the scene for nearly three years.
Pooh Shiesty’s Previous Prison Sentence
Pooh Shiesty has already served time in federal prison. In June 2021, he was arrested in connection with a shooting at a Miami strip club and was later indicted on federal conspiracy charges related to a robbery in Bay Harbor Islands, Florida. On January 4, 2022, he pleaded guilty to federal conspiracy charges, and on April 20, 2022, he was sentenced to 63 months (5 years and 3 months) in federal prison.
He was released early on October 6, 2025 — roughly three years into his sentence — after earning good-behavior credits. His originally scheduled release date had been April 2026. His early release made headlines across hip-hop media, and fans anticipated a return to music. Instead, within months of his release, Shiesty was arrested again on far more serious charges.
The January 2026 Dallas Studio Incident
According to federal prosecutors, on January 10, 2026, Pooh Shiesty orchestrated an armed robbery and kidnapping at a recording studio in Dallas, Texas. Gucci Mane — whose legal name is Radric Davis — and several of his associates had traveled to Dallas for what they believed was a legitimate business meeting with Williams to discuss his recording contract with 1017 Records.
Federal authorities allege that once inside the studio, Shiesty and eight co-conspirators — several of whom traveled from Memphis — executed a coordinated armed takeover. Prosecutors allege Williams produced an AK-style pistol and forced one victim to sign a document releasing him from his recording contract at gunpoint. The remaining co-defendants allegedly displayed firearms, robbed the victims of Rolex watches, jewelry, cash, and other valuables, and barricaded the studio door to prevent anyone from leaving.
The FBI raided Shiesty’s family home in Memphis in the months following the alleged incident. Federal agents arrested Pooh Shiesty on April 2, 2026, along with eight other individuals, including his father, Lontrell Williams Sr., and fellow Memphis rapper BIG30 (Rodney Wright Jr.).
Federal Charges and Co-Defendants
All nine defendants face serious federal charges. The indictment, filed in the Northern District of Texas, includes federal kidnapping and conspiracy to commit kidnapping under 18 U.S.C. § 1201. The nine defendants named in the case are:
- Lontrell Williams Jr. (Pooh Shiesty)
- Lontrell Williams Sr. (his father)
- Rodney Wright Jr. (BIG30)
- Kedarius Waters
- Terrance Rodgers
- Damarian Gipson
- Demarcus Glover
- Kordae Johnson
- Darrion McDaniel
Following his arrest, Pooh Shiesty’s attorneys requested bond, arguing he should be released pending trial. The federal judge denied the bond request, citing the severity of the alleged offenses and the risk of flight. Williams has remained in federal custody since April 2026.
Trial Date: July 6, 2026
The trial date for Pooh Shiesty and his co-defendants was officially set on May 20, 2026. Jury selection and trial proceedings are scheduled to begin on July 6, 2026, before Senior U.S. District Judge David C. Godbey in Dallas federal court. A final pretrial conference is set for July 1, 2026.
Defense attorneys have disputed the charges, pointing to an alleged lack of physical evidence. The outcome of the trial remains to be seen, but given the nature of the federal charges and the number of co-defendants, this is expected to be a lengthy and high-profile proceeding.
What Sentence Could He Face?
Federal kidnapping under 18 U.S.C. § 1201 is one of the most serious charges in the federal criminal code. If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum sentence of life in federal prison. Conspiracy to commit kidnapping carries the same exposure. There is no parole in the federal system — defendants convicted of federal crimes serve at least 85% of their sentence before any release consideration.
Given that Pooh Shiesty is also alleged to have used a firearm during the crime, additional sentencing enhancements under federal law could further increase the sentence if convicted. His prior federal conviction may also be taken into account during sentencing under federal guidelines.
How the US Federal Prison System Works
Because Pooh Shiesty is charged with federal crimes — not state crimes — his case is handled entirely within the federal court system. If convicted, he would be sentenced to a federal prison (Bureau of Prisons facility), not a state facility. This matters for several reasons:
Federal prisons generally have different conditions and classification levels than state prisons. The Bureau of Prisons assigns inmates to facilities based on security level: minimum, low, medium, high, and administrative/maximum. Celebrities and high-profile defendants are often assigned to medium or low-security facilities unless their offense level or conduct record requires higher security.
Importantly, federal inmates do not have parole. The federal parole system was abolished in 1987. Instead, federal inmates must serve a minimum of 85% of their sentence before becoming eligible for release under good-behavior credits. For a life sentence, there is no release unless a sentence is commuted or a successful appeal is filed.
For more information on how federal prison sentencing works, see our guide to US Prison Information and our article on Life Inside US Prisons: What to Expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pooh Shiesty in jail right now?
Yes. As of May 2026, Pooh Shiesty is in federal custody, held without bond while awaiting his July 2026 trial. A federal judge denied his bond request after his April 2026 arrest on kidnapping and robbery charges.
When is Pooh Shiesty’s trial?
Pooh Shiesty’s federal trial is scheduled to begin on July 6, 2026, in Dallas, Texas, before Senior U.S. District Judge David C. Godbey. A final pretrial conference is set for July 1, 2026.
What did Pooh Shiesty allegedly do?
Federal prosecutors allege that on January 10, 2026, Pooh Shiesty and eight co-conspirators orchestrated an armed kidnapping and robbery at a Dallas recording studio. The alleged victims include Gucci Mane and his associates, who were reportedly lured to the studio under the pretense of a business meeting. Shiesty allegedly wanted to force his release from Gucci Mane’s 1017 Records label.
How long could Pooh Shiesty go to prison?
If convicted on federal kidnapping charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1201, Pooh Shiesty faces a maximum sentence of life in federal prison. Federal sentences also require serving at least 85% of the imposed term, as there is no parole in the federal system.
Has Pooh Shiesty been to prison before?
Yes. Pooh Shiesty previously served approximately three years of a 63-month (5 years, 3 months) federal sentence for conspiracy charges related to a 2021 shooting and robbery in Miami, Florida. He was released early in October 2025, just months before his alleged involvement in the Dallas studio incident.