Photo Credit:Associated Press
Rapper Gucci Mane was allegedly the victim of a robbery and kidnapping involving fellow artists Pooh Shiesty, whose real name is Lontrell Williams Jr., and Big30, born Rodney Lamont Wright Jr., along with several others in Dallas, according to an announcement from the U.S. Department of Justice on Thursday, April 2.
During a press conference that lasted nearly 15 minutes, Ryan Raybould, the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, stated that nine individuals allegedly took part in a coordinated act in which multiple victims were kidnapped and robbed at gunpoint inside a Dallas music studio. Authorities confirmed that eight of the nine suspects have been arrested across Dallas, Memphis in Tennessee, and Nashville.
The group of suspects includes Pooh Shiesty, Big30, Pooh Shiesty’s father Lontrell Williams Sr., as well as Kedarius Waters, Terrance Rodgers, Damarian Gipson, Demarcus Glover, Kordae Johnson, and Darrion McDaniel. The details were outlined in a complaint referenced during the briefing and obtained by PEOPLE.
According to Raybould, the alleged incident occurred on January 10. Pooh Shiesty, who was reportedly signed to Gucci Mane’s 1017 label, invited three individuals from the music industry to the Dallas studio under the pretense of discussing contract terms. What followed, investigators allege, was a coordinated armed takeover of the location.
Authorities claim that one victim was forced to sign a release tied to a recording contract at gunpoint. Meanwhile, other victims were allegedly threatened while firearms were displayed, and personal belongings including luxury watches, jewelry, and cash were taken. One victim was allegedly physically assaulted and choked to the point of nearly losing consciousness. Prosecutors also allege that Pooh Shiesty positioned himself at the studio door to prevent anyone from leaving.
The complaint further states that Pooh Shiesty was on home detention at the time due to a prior firearms-related conviction. Investigators believe that several of the suspects later shared images of stolen items mon social media shortly after leaving the studio.
Raybould emphasized that the individuals involved had traveled to Dallas for legitimate business discussions but instead encountered violence. He warned that such conduct would not be tolerated and highlighted that those responsible could face severe legal consequences. If convicted, each defendant could receive a sentence of up to life in prison.
Representatives for Gucci Mane and Pooh Shiesty have not publicly responded to requests for comment.
The group of suspects includes Pooh Shiesty, Big30, Pooh Shiesty’s father Lontrell Williams Sr., as well as Kedarius Waters, Terrance Rodgers, Damarian Gipson, Demarcus Glover, Kordae Johnson, and Darrion McDaniel. The details were outlined in a complaint referenced during the briefing and obtained by PEOPLE.
According to Raybould, the alleged incident occurred on January 10. Pooh Shiesty, who was reportedly signed to Gucci Mane’s 1017 label, invited three individuals from the music industry to the Dallas studio under the pretense of discussing contract terms. What followed, investigators allege, was a coordinated armed takeover of the location.
Authorities claim that one victim was forced to sign a release tied to a recording contract at gunpoint. Meanwhile, other victims were allegedly threatened while firearms were displayed, and personal belongings including luxury watches, jewelry, and cash were taken. One victim was allegedly physically assaulted and choked to the point of nearly losing consciousness. Prosecutors also allege that Pooh Shiesty positioned himself at the studio door to prevent anyone from leaving.
The complaint further states that Pooh Shiesty was on home detention at the time due to a prior firearms-related conviction. Investigators believe that several of the suspects later shared images of stolen items mon social media shortly after leaving the studio.
Raybould emphasized that the individuals involved had traveled to Dallas for legitimate business discussions but instead encountered violence. He warned that such conduct would not be tolerated and highlighted that those responsible could face severe legal consequences. If convicted, each defendant could receive a sentence of up to life in prison.
Representatives for Gucci Mane and Pooh Shiesty have not publicly responded to requests for comment.