Summary (tl;dr)

Rappers Pooh Shiesty and Big30, along with several others, have been arrested and federally charged in connection with the alleged armed kidnapping and robbery of fellow rapper Gucci Mane and other music industry professionals at a Dallas recording studio in January.

Essential Background

Pooh Shiesty, whose real name is Lontrell Denell Williams Jr., was previously released from federal prison in October 2025 after serving three years of a five-year sentence for firearms and drug charges stemming from a 2020 shooting in Florida. He was reportedly on supervised release, which prohibited him from committing new crimes or possessing firearms. Pooh Shiesty was signed to Gucci Mane's 1017 Records label.

The Full Story

On January 10, 2026, Pooh Shiesty allegedly arranged a meeting with Gucci Mane and other music industry professionals at a Dallas studio, reportedly to discuss the terms of his recording contract with Gucci Mane. During this meeting, Pooh Shiesty, along with Big30 (Rodney Lamont Wright Jr.) and seven other individuals, are accused of orchestrating an "armed takeover," where they allegedly robbed and kidnapped the victims at gunpoint. Pooh Shiesty allegedly used an AK-style pistol to force one victim, identified as Gucci Mane (Radric Delantic Davis), to sign paperwork releasing him from his recording contract. Other victims were reportedly robbed of cash, Rolex watches, and other jewelry, with one individual allegedly choked to near unconsciousness. Big30 is accused of barricading the studio door to prevent anyone from escaping.

Federal prosecutors announced the charges, and eight of the nine suspects, including Pooh Shiesty, Big30, and Pooh Shiesty's father, Lontrell Williams Sr., were arrested on April 1, 2026. Arrests were made in Dallas, Memphis, and Nashville. The FBI also raided Pooh Shiesty's family home in Cordova, Tennessee, where his father was arrested. Prosecutors allege that some suspects later posted photos on social media wearing items believed to have been stolen during the robbery.

Why It Matters

These arrests and federal charges carry significant implications for the accused rappers, particularly Pooh Shiesty, who was already on supervised release. If convicted, the defendants could face up to life in prison. The U.S. Department of Justice has emphasized its commitment to prosecuting violent crimes, regardless of the individuals' celebrity status. This case highlights the ongoing legal challenges faced by some artists in the music industry and draws attention to the consequences of alleged violent criminal acts.

Geographic Location

• Dallas, Dallas County, Texas, United States (armed kidnapping and robbery of Gucci Mane and others at a music studio; arrests of some suspects)
• Cordova, Shelby County, Tennessee, United States (FBI raid on Pooh Shiesty's family home)
• Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee, United States (arrest of Pooh Shiesty's father and other suspects)
• Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee, United States (arrests of some suspects)