Rapper Pooh Shiesty and eight others have been charged by the U.S. Department of Justice in a federal robbery and kidnapping case involving Gucci Mane at a Dallas recording studio.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Pooh Shiesty arranged a meeting on January 10 related to his recording contract with Gucci Mane’s 1017 label. Prosecutors allege it was a setup.
They allege Shiesty, whose real name is Lontrell Williams Jr., arranged the meeting to force his release from his recording contract, then pulled out an AK-style firearm as others entered the studio and took control.
Among those charged are Shiesty’s father, Mob Boss, and fellow Memphis rapper Big30, who prosecutors say prevented victims from leaving as the situation unfolded. Several other associates were also charged.
Victims were held inside against their will as the incident unfolded, prosecutors say. One individual was forced at gunpoint to sign paperwork releasing contractual obligations, while others were robbed of jewelry, watches, cash, and personal belongings. One victim was also choked during the encounter, nearly losing consciousness.
Evidence cited in the case includes surveillance footage, social media activity, and location data from Shiesty’s ankle monitor, which prosecutors say showed him at the scene.
Reports of the alleged robbery circulated on social media in the days following the incident. Some of the stolen items were later posted on social media by the suspects, court documents show.
Arrests were carried out across multiple cities, including Memphis, Nashville, and Dallas.
If convicted, the defendants face lengthy prison sentences, including life sentences on kidnapping charges.
Neither Shiesty nor Gucci Mane has publicly responded to the allegations.
