Pooh Shiesty’s father triumphs in a bond battle in a federal case concerning an alleged theft at a Gucci Mane studio
The father of Memphis rapper Pooh Shiesty, Lontrell Williams Sr., is set to be freed from federal prison after a judge turned down the government’s request to keep him locked up while the case goes on.
Action News 5 says that a federal judge lifted the temporary stay that had kept Williams Sr. from being released, which meant that he could leave prison even though he is still being charged with a crime involving Gucci Mane and a recording studio in Dallas. Williams Sr. and Rodney “Big30” Wright Jr., who is also charged, have both pleaded not guilty.
A contentious battle over bonds with significant implications
The decision is a big change in a case that has brought together big stars in Memphis and Atlanta rap. Prosecutors fought back and attempted to have Williams Sr. taken back into custody, despite his previous $250,000 bond. In April, Action News 5 claimed that prosecutors wanted him to stay in jail and that he was sent to Dallas while the bond dispute went on.
Williams Sr. will now fight the case from somewhere other than federal prison since the judge turned down the government’s request. The charges did not go away. It only means that the court let the person go while the case goes on.
What the prosecutors say took place in Dallas
Feds say the case starts with a meeting on January 10 at a music studio in Dallas. The Department of Justice said that nine men, including Pooh Shiesty, Big30, and Williams Sr., were charged with robbing and taking someone at the studio with a gun. Prosecutors say the meeting started out as a business meeting about music and contracts, but it turned into what they called an armed takeover.
Police report that armed individuals robbed victims of jewelry, Rolex watches, cash, and other items. Prosecutors also say that one victim was afraid of being hurt and had to sign a contract release. According to the Associated Press, Pooh Shiesty, whose real name is Lontrell Williams Jr., was told to stay in jail by a judge who said, “I find that the weight of the evidence against you is strong.”
The court date is already marked on the calendar.
On July 6, a jury will put Pooh Shiesty and eight other suspects on trial, according to Action News 5.
Williams Sr. has temporarily triumphed in the bond battle, but the primary federal case remains ongoing. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
