Federal prosecutors in Dallas charged rapper Pooh Shiesty and eight associates with conspiracy to commit kidnapping after they allegedly held Gucci Mane at gunpoint in a music studio to force the release of a recording contract. The incident occurred on January 10 in Dallas, where the group from Memphis robbed victims of watches, jewelry, cash and other items. All nine defendants face a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Prosecutors filed the criminal complaint in Dallas federal court on Thursday, alleging that Lontrell Williams Jr., known as Pooh Shiesty, organized the January 10 meeting at the studio because he was upset with the terms of his 2021 contract with 1017 Records, headed by Radric Davis, known as Gucci Mane. Williams and eight men from Memphis arrived armed, with associate Rodney Lamont Wright Jr., known as Big30, providing an AK-style pistol that Williams used while Davis was forced to sign paperwork terminating the contract and verbally confirm the release. Williams then took Davis's wedding ring, watch, earrings and cash, while Big30 blocked the exit, trapping victims inside; one was choked from behind nearly to unconsciousness, leaving scratches on his neck and wrist captured in photos included in the complaint.
