Pooh Shiesty’s legal battle has taken a massive turn as the rapper officially entered a not guilty plea in a Dallas federal court.

On Friday, Shiesty joined his father and fellow artist Big30 in denying five federal counts related to the alleged kidnapping and armed robbery of their former label boss, Gucci Mane.

The federal indictment claims that back in January, Shiesty orchestrated a business meeting at a Dallas recording studio that quickly turned into a robbery. Prosecutors allege Shiesty used an AK-style pistol to force the 1017 founder to sign paperwork releasing him from his recording contract while his crew reportedly stripped the victims of Rolex watches, jewelry, and cash.

With the stakes high, Pooh Shiesty has a new legal team leading the charge. Defense attorney Kent Schaffer is projecting confidence despite the heavy allegations. Although we have not seen all of the evidence in the case it is apparent that it’s a highly defensible case and we’re hoping to have Shiesty back in the recording studio very soon, Schaffer stated via email following the arraignment.

The defense is banking on what they describe as underwhelming evidence from the government, despite the feds claiming to have surveillance footage and license plate data. Shiesty’s father has also maintained his innocence, with his legal team arguing that the government’s case is profoundly underwhelming and lacks the weight needed for a conviction.

For now, Pooh Shiesty and Big30 remain behind bars without bond as they await a formal trial date. If convicted on these federal kidnapping and extortion charges, the group faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.