- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Dallas Today
By the People, for the People
Rappers Charged in Alleged Kidnapping and Robbery of Gucci Mane
Pooh Shiesty, Big30, and others accused of holding music industry professionals at gunpoint in Dallas studio
Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:40pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
A shattered screen reflects the grim aftermath of a violent music industry robbery, exposing the risks of conducting business in the shadows.Dallas TodayThe U.S. Department of Justice has announced the arrest of eight suspects, including rappers Pooh Shiesty and Big30, for allegedly kidnapping and robbing Gucci Mane and other victims at gunpoint during a business meeting at a Dallas music studio in January. The suspects are accused of forcing one victim to sign a contract release form at gunpoint and stealing valuables like Rolex watches and jewelry.
Why it matters
This high-profile case involving prominent rappers highlights the growing issue of violence and criminal activity within the music industry, raising concerns about the safety of business dealings and the potential for abuse of power and influence.
The details
According to the complaint, Pooh Shiesty (real name Lontrell Williams Jr.) invited three music industry professionals, including Gucci Mane, to a Dallas studio for a business meeting in January. There, Shiesty and his alleged co-conspirators are accused of executing an 'armed takeover,' forcing one victim to sign a contract release form at gunpoint and robbing the others of valuables. One victim was even allegedly choked to near unconsciousness.
- The incident occurred on January 10, 2026 in Dallas, Texas.
- Pooh Shiesty was on home detention for a prior firearms conviction at the time of the alleged offense.
The players
Pooh Shiesty
A 26-year-old rapper who was signed to Gucci Mane's 1017 label and is accused of orchestrating the kidnapping and robbery.
Big30
A rapper who is also accused of participating in the alleged kidnapping and robbery.
Gucci Mane
A prominent rapper who was allegedly kidnapped and robbed during the incident.
Lontrell Williams Sr.
Pooh Shiesty's father, who is accused of helping plan and execute the federal kidnapping.
Ryan Raybould
The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas who announced the arrests and charges.
What they’re saying
“They came to Dallas to conduct legitimate business and they were met with firearms and violence as alleged in the charging document.”
— Ryan Raybould, United States Attorney
“This case should serve as a warning to others who believe that using violence and intimidation tactics to rob others in our community is a viable way to conduct business. I'm here to say that it is not and if you choose to do this, we will, together with our law enforcement partners here... will bring you swiftly to justice.”
— Ryan Raybould, United States Attorney
What’s next
The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Pooh Shiesty to be released on bail while awaiting trial.
The takeaway
This high-profile case involving prominent rappers highlights the growing problem of violence and criminal activity within the music industry, raising concerns about the safety of business dealings and the potential for abuse of power and influence.
