Eight people, including rappers Pooh Shiesty and Big30, have been arrested across Dallas, Memphis and Nashville in connection with an alleged kidnapping and armed robbery at a Dallas music studio, the US Department of Justice announced on April 2, 2026, with one suspect still at large. Federal prosecutors said the incident took place on January 10, 2026, when three music industry professionals travelled to Dallas for a meeting reportedly arranged by Pooh Shiesty, whose legal name is Lontrell Denell Williams Jr., to discuss a recording contract dispute with Gucci Mane’s 1017 Records label, to which Pooh Shiesty had been signed since 2020. According to authorities, the meeting escalated into what officials described as a “coordinated armed takeover” involving nine individuals, several of whom had travelled together from Memphis. Prosecutors allege that during the incident, Pooh Shiesty produced an AK-style firearm and forced a victim to sign a release from the recording contract at gunpoint. Other suspects allegedly brandished weapons and robbed victims of valuables including Rolex watches, jewellery and cash. One victim was reportedly choked to the point of near unconsciousness, while Big30, whose legal name is Rodney Lamont Wright Jr., is accused of barricading exits to prevent the victims from escaping. Among the victims was Atlanta rapper Gucci Mane, whose legal name is Radric Delantic Davis, as identified by local Dallas outlet WFAA. Officials did not name all victims at the press conference. In a damaging detail for prosecutors, multiple suspects allegedly posted photographs of stolen items on social media within hours of the incident, providing investigators with additional evidence. Investigators said evidence includes electronic monitoring data, mobile phone records and licence plate reader information confirming multiple suspects travelled together from Memphis to Dallas. Authorities also allege that Lontrell Williams Sr., the father of Pooh Shiesty, assisted in organising the incident, rented the vehicle used by the group, and was arrested following an FBI raid on the family’s home in Cordova, Tennessee on April 1. The full list of charged individuals includes Lontrell Williams Jr. (Pooh Shiesty), Lontrell Williams Sr., Rodney Wright Jr. (Big30), Kadarius Waters, Demarion Gibson, DeMarcus Glover, Corday Johnson, Darian McDaniel, and Terrence Rodgers — the sole suspect who remained at large as of the April 2 press conference. Officials said Williams Jr. was on home detention at the time of the alleged offences, having been released in October 2025 after serving approximately three years of a federal sentence for conspiring to possess firearms in furtherance of crimes of violence and drug trafficking following a 2020 shooting at a Miami hotel. The terms of his release explicitly prohibited him from committing further crimes or possessing firearms. Prosecutors noted that committing a violent crime while under such restrictions would be considered an aggravating factor during sentencing. The case is being prosecuted by the US Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas. At the press conference, US Attorney Ryan R. Raybould stated: “These individuals kidnapped and robbed at gunpoint numerous victims at a music studio in Dallas.” His colleague US Attorney Chad E. Meacham added: “We must hold accountable those who commit violent crimes, regardless of their celebrity status.” Authorities said potential sentences could range from zero to life imprisonment depending on individual charges and criminal histories. Officials have not confirmed whether Gucci Mane was physically harmed during the incident. No public statements have been issued by Gucci Mane, Big30, or legal representatives for any of the accused. The case remains active, with authorities pursuing the outstanding arrest of Terrence Rodgers.
