Rapper Gucci Mane was allegedly kidnapped and robbed at gunpoint at a Dallas music studio in January, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Thursday, April 2, and fellow rappers Pooh Shiesty and Big30 are among nine people charged in connection with the incident.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould said at a news conference that the alleged attack took place on Jan. 10, when Pooh Shiesty, whose real name is Lontrell Williams Jr., invited three music industry professionals, including Gucci Mane, to the studio for a business meeting to discuss the terms of his record contract.
What followed, according to Raybould and a federal complaint obtained by PEOPLEIt was anything but a business meeting.
Shiesty and his alleged accomplices carried out what the Justice Department described as “a coordinated armed takeover,” forcing one of the victims to sign a release of his recording contract at gunpoint.
“The remaining conspirators displayed firearms and robbed the other victims of Rolex watches, jewelry, cash and other high-value items,” Raybould said.
“One of the victims was strangled by one of the defendants to the point of almost losing consciousness.” Big30, born Rodney Lamont Wright Jr., allegedly blocked the studio door to prevent the victims from escaping.
To make the alleged crime more notable, Shiesty, 26, was on house arrest at the time for a prior firearms conspiracy conviction in the Southern District of Florida.
Also charged is his father, Lontrell Williams Sr., who allegedly helped plan and execute the kidnapping.
Within hours of leaving the studio, several defendants allegedly posted photos on social media showing items stolen from the victims.
Eight of the nine suspects have been arrested in Dallas, Memphis and Nashville.
They include Shiesty, Big30, Williams Sr., Kedarius Waters, Terrance Rodgers, Damarian Gipson, Demarcus Glover, Kordae Johnson and Darrion McDaniel. If convicted, each faces a possible sentence of up to life in prison.
Raybould was direct about what the case represented.
“They came to Dallas to conduct legitimate business and were greeted with guns and violence,” he said.
“This case should serve as a warning to others who believe that using violence and intimidation tactics to steal from others in our community is a viable way to do business. I am here to say it is not.”
Gucci Mane, whose real name is Radric Davis, is the founder of 1017 Records, which Shiesty was signed to.
In October 2024, Gucci Mane announced that he would be releasing most of his staff, but notably retained Shiesty, who had just been released from prison after serving time for a 2022 guilty plea on firearms and drug charges.
Shiesty’s representatives declined to comment on the allegations.
