Memphis rapper Pooh Shiesty, born Lontrell Williams, will continue to be held without bail after a federal judge denied his second bond request. The rapper’s legal team presented an unprecedented proposal to spend up to $700,000 on a private security detail to ensure his constant monitoring while awaiting trial on federal charges. This ambitious offer, however, was not enough to sway Senior U.S. District Judge David Godbey, who ultimately ruled that no conditions could guarantee public safety.
THE UNPRECEDENTED OFFER
During a detention hearing in Dallas, attorneys for Williams offered a significant sum to fund a 24/7 private security detail from a Houston-based firm. Testimony suggested this level of surveillance would parallel the protection afforded to a state attorney general. The aim was to create a watertight system that would prevent the rapper from posing any threat to the community or attempting to flee while out on bond. Despite the substantial financial commitment and the proposed oversight, the judge remained unconvinced.
POOH SHIESTY ACCUSED OF KIDNAPPING AND EXTORTION
Pooh Shiesty faces serious federal charges, including kidnapping and attempting to extort fellow rapper Gucci Mane (Radric Davis). Prosecutors allege that the incident occurred in January at a Dallas recording studio, where Williams, armed with a Draco-style pistol, attempted to coerce Gucci Mane into releasing him from his contract with The 1017 Records. Surveillance video is reportedly cited by investigators as evidence supporting these claims. Williams has maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to all charges.
PRIOR CONVICTIONS AND SUPERVISED RELEASE
Further complicating Pooh Shiesty's bid for release is his status while allegedly committing these new offenses. Federal prosecutors highlighted that the alleged kidnapping and extortion attempt took place while Williams was already on supervised release following a 2022 federal firearms conspiracy conviction. This prior legal entanglement raises significant concerns about his compliance with court orders and the potential for reoffending.
ALLEGATIONS OF IMPROPER TRAVEL PASSES
Adding another layer to the case, court filings reportedly allege that a former federal supervision officer improperly generated unauthorized travel passes for Williams. These passes allegedly allowed him to leave home confinement for unapproved trips, including the day prosecutors claim the kidnapping incident occurred. This former employee was reportedly terminated, according to court records, indicating potential procedural failures within the supervision system.
WHAT'S NEXT FOR SHIESTY
With his bond request denied for the second time, Pooh Shiesty remains in federal custody. He is preparing to mount a defense against the serious charges he faces. His trial is currently slated to commence in February 2027, leaving a lengthy period of pre-trial detention for the Memphis artist. This situation underscores the high stakes involved in federal criminal proceedings, particularly when prior convictions and allegations of ongoing criminal activity are involved.
Reporting via The Source. Read the original story here: https://thesource.com/2026/07/22/judge-denies-pooh-shiestys-700k-private-security-bond-proposal-in-gucci-mane-kidnapping-case/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=judge-denies-pooh-shiestys-700k-private-security-bond-proposal-in-gucci-mane-kidnapping-case
