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Pooh Shiesty’s attorneys are asking a federal court to intervene over alleged restrictive jail conditions, including limited visitation and 23-hour daily confinement.
Attorneys for Memphis rapper Pooh Shiesty, whose legal name is Lontrell Williams Jr., filed an emergency motion on Oct. 15 challenging the conditions of his detention at Rolling Plains Regional Jail in Haskell, Texas.
According to the motion, first reported by Complex, the rapper’s legal team disputes two restrictions: a reduction in monthly visitation time and confinement to his cell for 23 hours a day. His attorneys argue that the measures are unjustified and are taking a toll on his mental health.
Lawyers challenge visitation limits and isolation
The motion states that Shiesty’s monthly visitation allowance was reduced from four hours to two. His attorneys argue that the restriction falls below the minimum they say should apply to his detention.
The legal team also challenges the reported practice of keeping him in his cell for 23 hours each day. According to the motion, jail staff cited his protection as the reason for the restrictions but did not explain the specific threat or why such extensive confinement was necessary.
His attorneys maintain that his conduct and disciplinary record do not justify the measures.
Family member describes emotional toll
Shiesty has reportedly told his legal team that the isolation is affecting his mental health, including causing sleep difficulties and increased anxiety.
His aunt also described the impact of the visitation restrictions in a signed declaration. She traveled from Memphis to visit him in August, only to have her visit limited to one hour because his girlfriend had reportedly used another hour from his monthly allowance earlier that month.
The aunt said the trip required time away from work and considerable travel expenses. She also described concerns about changes in his emotional well-being since his transfer to the Haskell facility, saying he appeared anxious, depressed and worn down.
These accounts are presented in support of the emergency motion. The court has not yet been reported to have ruled on the requests.
Attorneys seek court intervention
Shiesty’s lawyers want the court to direct the U.S. Marshals Service to restore the visitation hours they say he is entitled to receive and end the reported 23-hour daily confinement.
Lead attorney Kent Schaffer argued that Shiesty has not been convicted and that pretrial detention should not be used as punishment. His legal team is asking the court to address the conditions while the criminal case proceeds.
The U.S. Marshals Service, the Bureau of Prisons and a spokesperson for the company operating Rolling Plains Regional Jail had not responded to requests for comment at the time of the original report.
Trial scheduled for 2027
Shiesty’s trial over allegations involving the robbery and kidnapping of Gucci Mane is scheduled to begin in February 2027, according to the supplied report. The allegations remain unresolved, and Shiesty should be presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
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