Federal prosecutors announced charges today against Memphis rapper Pooh Shiesty and eight associates in connection with an armed robbery and kidnapping involving his former label head, Gucci Mane.
The U.S. Department of Justice released a criminal complaint detailing a violent takeover of a music studio in Dallas that occurred this past January.
According to court documents, Lontrell Williams Jr., known professionally as Pooh Shiesty, led a group that held Gucci Mane and two other music professionals at gunpoint.
Authorities allege the group forced Gucci Mane to sign legal documents releasing Williams from his existing recording contract during the encounter.
In addition to the forced contract release, the suspects allegedly stole cash, high-end jewelry, and several Rolex watches from the victims.
Investigations reveal that Williams was on federal house arrest at the time of the incident. Data from his GPS ankle monitor reportedly placed him at the studio during the robbery.
Prosecutors also named the rapper’s father, Lontrell Williams Sr., as a key figure who helped coordinate the logistics of the armed confrontation.
Fellow artist Rodney Wright Jr., who performs as Big30, was identified as the individual who allegedly blocked the studio exits to prevent the victims from escaping.
Evidence against the group includes social media posts where several suspects allegedly posed with the stolen items shortly after the crime occurred.
Eight of the nine suspects were apprehended yesterday in a multi-city sweep across Dallas, Memphis, and Nashville. One individual remains at large.
The charges follow a period of heightened scrutiny regarding the safety of recording environments and the intersection of legal disputes within the music industry.
Gucci Mane has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the federal investigation or the specifics of the January encounter.
Under the administration of President Donald Trump, federal law enforcement has signaled a continued focus on violent crime and gang-related activities within the entertainment sector.
All defendants face federal kidnapping and robbery charges, which carry significant prison sentences if they are convicted in court.