Rapper Gucci Mane was allegedly kidnapped and robbed at gunpoint at a Dallas music studio in January, the US Department of Justice announced Thursday (April 2), with fellow rappers Pooh Shiesty and Big30 among the nine people charged in connection with the incident.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould said at a news conference that the alleged attack took place on Jan. 10, when Pooh Shiesty, real name Lontrell Williams Jr., invited three music industry professionals, including Gucci Mane, to the studio for a business meeting to discuss the terms of his recording contract.
What followed, according to Raybould and a federal complaint obtained by PEOPLEwas anything but a business meeting.
Shiesty and his alleged accomplices carried out what the DOJ described as “a coordinated armed takeover,” forcing one of the victims to sign a release from his recording contract at gunpoint.
“The remaining conspirators brandished firearms and robbed the other victims of Rolex watches, jewelry, cash and other valuable items,” Raybould said.
“One of the victims was actually choked by one of the defendants to the point of almost losing consciousness.” Big30, born Rodney Lamont Wright Jr., allegedly barricaded the studio door to prevent the victims from escaping.
What makes the alleged offense even more remarkable is that Shiesty, 26, was on home detention at the time for a prior gun conspiracy conviction in the Southern District of Florida.
Also charged is his father, Lontrell Williams Sr., who allegedly helped plan and carry out the kidnapping.
A few hours after leaving the studio, several defendants allegedly published photos on social media showing items stolen from the victims.
Eight of the nine suspects were arrested in Dallas, Memphis and Nashville.
They include Shiesty, Big30, Williams Sr., Kedarius Waters, Terrance Rodgers, Damarian Gipson, Demarcus Glover, Kordae Johnson and Darrion McDaniel. If convicted, each faces a sentence of up to life in prison.
Raybould was blunt about what the deal was.
“They came to Dallas to conduct legitimate business and they were met with guns and violence,” he said.
“This case should serve as a warning to anyone who believes that using violence and intimidation tactics to steal from other members of our community is a viable way of doing business. I am here to say that is not the case.”
Gucci Mane, real name Radric Davis, is the founder of 1017 Records, to which Shiesty is signed.
In October 2024, Gucci Mane announced he was releasing most of his roster, but notably retained Shiesty, who had just been released from prison after serving time for a 2022 guilty plea to gun and drug charges.
Representatives for Shiesty declined to comment on the allegations.
