Pooh Shiesty‘s dad, Lontrell Williams Sr., was reportedly granted a $250,000 bond and to be placed on house arrest as a new lawyer, John Helms, rolls out the rapper’s defense in his federal kidnapping case.
RELATED: Pooh Shiesty, His Dad, Gucci Mane & Keyshia Ka’oir Were Active On Social Media Around Time Of Alleged Robbery — Here’s What They Posted
Pooh Shiesty’s Dad, Lontrell Williams Sr., Reportedly Granted $250K Bond & To Be Placed On House Arrest
According to Localmemphis.com, prosecutors presented their case against Pooh Shiesty, his dad, and seven others to a federal judge in Memphis, Tennessee, on Friday, April 3. Furthermore, the event reportedly made way at a detention hearing for Williams Sr., Big30, real name Rodney Wright Jr., and three other defendants (not including Pooh Shiesty). Ultimately, the judge reportedly ruled that prosecutors have probable cause to pursue their case against the group.
Regarding Williams Sr., prosecutors reportedly argued that he printed the music release contract that Pooh Shiesty allegedly forced Gucci Mane to sign at gunpoint on January 10, 2026. Williams Sr. reportedly printed the paperwork at a Staples in Frisco, Texas. Additionally, it is believed that Williams Sr. made contact with the music studio owner hours before the kidnapping and robbery of Gucci and two others took place at the location.
Stay Connected
Subscribe to updates from The Shade Room
Lastly, prosecutors argued that Williams Sr. was not a “primary participant” in the robbery. However, his criminal record shows that he has previously been hit with “kidnapping, drug, gun, and other violent charges.”
In response, a lawyer for Williams Sr. reportedly argued that he is simply his son’s business manager. Additionally, they alleged that it’s “unconfirmed” what he printed out at Staples. Furthermore, the lawyer argued that the search of Williams’ home was clean. And previously, Pooh and Gucci had only ever used a studio to record music together.
Ultimately, the judge set Williams Sr.’s bond at $250,000. However, the judge ruled that he must remain on house arrest and may travel only to Dallas, Texas, where the case will proceed. At this time, however, it remains unclear whether Pooh’s dad has been released from police custody.
New Lawyer For Pooh Shiesty Rolls Out His Apparent Defense In His Federal Kidnapping Case
According to the Dallas Morning News, last week, a lawyer named John Helms reportedly joined Pooh’s legal defense team. As The Shade Room previously reported, Bradford Cohen was cited as Pooh’s initial defense lawyer, and said he spotted “inconsistencies” in the claims against his client.
Now, Helms has reportedly added his thoughts.
“The government tries to characterize this as a dispute over money between Lontrell and his record label, but in this business, things are very often not what they seem, and people’s motivations are very often not what they seem,” he reportedly told the outlet.
Per the Dallas Morning News, Helms shared that he and Cohen will be representing Pooh.
“… As the case goes on… I think it’s going to be significantly different from what the government says,” Helms reportedly added.
To note, on Monday, April 6, Bradford Cohen shared an additional statement with XXL:
“We are still evaluating the alleged evidence against Mr. Williams, Jr. at this time. After the bond hearing on Mr. Williams Sr. and the testimony we reviewed, it appears that there is a significant gap in the statements made by the government and the actual evidence. As such, we have been reviewing those issues in anticipation of Mr. Williams, Jr. bond hearing.”
Why Are The Rapper & His Dad Caught Up In A Federal Kidnapping Case?
As The Shade Room previously reported, the FBI raided Pooh Shiesty’s family home in Memphis last week. This led to the arrest of Pooh and his dad. Subsequently, it was revealed that the pair was arrested for allegedly kidnapping and robbing Gucci Mane. This reportedly took place at a studio in Dallas, Texas, on January 10, 2026. Furthermore, prosecutors alleged the incident involved seven other suspects and two other victims.
Prosecutors believe the group committed the crime to force Gucci Mane to release Pooh from a music contract. The incident reportedly included barricaded doors, gunpoint tactics, and the robbery of luxury goods. This, while some of the defendants also flossed the stolen goods on social media.
Now, a defense lawyer for Big30 is reportedly arguing that there’s no evidence his client had a gun during the ordeal. Additionally, a defense lawyer for another suspect is reportedly arguing that Gucci Mane never identified his client. Also, at the detention hearing, it was reportedly shared that no video surveillance evidence has been recovered of any suspects possessing guns.
At this time, Gucci Mane has not publicly addressed the incident. Additionally, it is believed that if convicted, the suspects could face up to life in prison.
