Overview
- A U.S. magistrate judge in Dallas, following Wednesday’s detention hearing, found probable cause and ordered Lontrell Williams Jr. (Pooh Shiesty) to stay in federal custody.
- Prosecutors say nine defendants turned a Jan. 10 recording-studio meeting in Dallas into an armed kidnapping and robbery meant to force Williams’ release from his 1017 Records deal.
- An FBI agent testified that Williams pulled an AK-style pistol and forced Gucci Mane to sign a document releasing him from the contract.
- Defense lawyer Bradford Cohen disputed the government’s account and said early witness statements and the lack of physical proof, including any contract or video, raise doubts.
- Judge Renée Harris Toliver cited a prior weapons conviction and unauthorized travel to Dallas in denying bond, and the case remains in pretrial with no trial date set.