Pooh Shiesty Accused of Armed Robbery and Kidnapping in Dallas Music Studio Incident

Federal prosecutors charged rapper Pooh Shiesty and eight others on Thursday with robbing and kidnapping three men at gunpoint during a January music studio meeting in Dallas, Texas. The allegations stem from a business dispute linked to Gucci Mane's record label, according to authorities.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Texas said the incident occurred on January 10, after the victims, described as music industry professionals, traveled to Dallas expecting a meeting about contract terms with 1017 Records. Federal officials allege that once the men arrived, Pooh Shiesty—whose legal name is Lontrell Williams Jr.—and his co-defendants staged an armed takeover. Ryan Raybould, U.S. attorney for the district, told reporters, "The victims in this case came to Dallas to conduct legitimate business and they were met with firearms and violence."

One of the victims, referred to as R.D. in court documents, is reportedly the owner of 1017 Records, the label founded by rapper Gucci Mane. The affidavit details how Williams Jr. allegedly forced the label owner to sign termination papers at gunpoint and took personal valuables, including a wedding ring and cash. Other defendants, including Williams Jr.'s father and rapper Big30 (Rodney Wright), are accused of threatening and assaulting the remaining victims, with one man reportedly choked until near unconsciousness.

Authorities said eight of the nine suspects were apprehended on Wednesday, with the FBI in Memphis executing warrants at an address linked to Pooh Shiesty. At the time of the Dallas incident, Williams Jr. was under home confinement in Florida for a previous federal firearms conspiracy conviction, monitored by an electronic device. Investigators used location data, surveillance footage, and social media content in their investigation.

Prosecutors said the investigation is ongoing and declined to name the victims. Publicists for Gucci Mane have not yet commented. As of Thursday, Pooh Shiesty and his representatives had not responded to requests for comment.