Following federal charges filed on April 2, rapper Pooh Shiesty and several associates, including Big30 and his father, were arrested in connection with the January 10 armed robbery and kidnapping of Gucci Mane in a Dallas recording studio. The group allegedly forced Gucci Mane to terminate a record contract at gunpoint and stole luxury items. A detention hearing is scheduled for April 3.
Pooh Shiesty, whose real name is Lontrell Williams Jr., was arrested by the FBI in Dallas shortly after his release from a prior federal firearms sentence. Authorities raided his family's Memphis home, detaining his father (Darrion McDaniel or Lontrell Williams Sr.) and rapper Big30 (Rodney Wright Jr.), among others. The U.S. Department of Justice indictment describes the January 10, 2026, incident as an 'armed takeover' captured on studio surveillance footage. The group entered armed, including with an AK-47, barricaded doors, threatened victims, and stole Rolex watches, jewelry, cash, and luxury goods like Louis Vuitton items while forcing Gucci Mane to sign a contract release.
Pooh Shiesty's attorney, Bradford Cohen, stated to media outlets that the indictment contains inconsistencies to be addressed in hearings, reserving further comment until full discovery. Big30's lawyer, Arthur Horn, described the charges as shocking, noting his client's lack of prior criminal history and calling for judgment after all facts emerge.
A detention hearing was set for Friday, April 3. Public reactions included comments from Rick Ross advocating negotiation over confrontation, and posts from Pooh Shiesty's mother and others. If convicted, the defendants face a maximum sentence of life in prison.
This case builds on initial charges detailed in prior coverage.
