Pooh Shiesty’s father and Big 30 both entered not guilty pleas in the Gucci Mane kidnapping case.
The two men are vigorously contesting the charges, with their defense teams arguing that the government’s case lacks sufficient evidence to prove their involvement in the alleged January 2026 Dallas studio incident.
Nine defendants total stand accused of orchestrating an armed kidnapping and robbery that targeted Gucci Mane and two other victims at a music studio.
The alleged motive centers on a contract dispute with Gucci Mane’s “The New 1017” label, with prosecutors claiming that Pooh Shiesty sought to force his way out of their recording agreement with Big 30’s help.
However, their legal teams are pushing back hard, maintaining their clients’ innocence and challenging the prosecution’s narrative at every turn.
According to Action News 5, the defendants include Pooh Shiesty, his father Lontrell Williams Sr., Big 30, Kedarius Waters, Terrance Rodgers, Damarian Gipson, Demarcus Glover, Kordae Johnson, and Darrion McDaniel. Prosecutors allege that Pooh Shiesty pulled an AK-style pistol and forced Gucci Mane to sign a contract release at gunpoint, while Big 30 allegedly blocked the studio exits to prevent escape.
Lontrell Williams Sr. initially made a $250,000 bond, but a judge issued a stay as prosecutors fight to keep him behind bars until trial.
The Big 30’s defense has filed multiple motions challenging the government’s case, arguing that there is insufficient evidence and procedural issues. He remains jailed as well, after prosecutors claimed he was a flight risk.
The not-guilty pleas set the stage for what could be a lengthy legal battle, with both men’s attorneys preparing to contest the charges rather than negotiate a settlement.
Federal prosecutors have built their case on witness testimony and evidence collected from the Dallas studio, though the defense teams are clearly preparing to challenge the government’s narrative.
The specifics of how the studio ambush allegedly unfolded reveal a coordinated effort
According to the Department of Justice, Pooh Shiesty pulled an AK-style pistol and forced Gucci Mane to sign paperwork releasing him from his 1017 Records contract.
Prosecutors say if convicted, each defendant faces a sentence of up to life imprisonment, making the stakes incredibly high for everyone involved in this case.