Pooh Shiesty and Associates Arrested for Alleged Kidnapping and Robbery of Gucci Mane

The Memphis rapper and several others face life in prison over a violent dispute at a Dallas recording studio.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 7:43pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shiny metal handgun magazine against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh camera flash, conceptually representing the violent nature of the alleged crime.A violent dispute over a recording contract exposes the high-stakes world of the music industry.Dallas Today

Pooh Shiesty, his father Lontrell Williams Sr., and rapper Big30 were among eight individuals arrested by the FBI on charges of robbery and kidnapping related to a violent incident on January 10 in Dallas. Authorities allege that the group forced one of the victims, identified as Gucci Mane, to sign a release from a recording contract at gunpoint and robbed the other victims of valuables like Rolex watches and jewelry.

Why it matters

The case highlights the high-stakes world of the music industry, where disputes over recording contracts can escalate into serious criminal allegations. It also raises questions about the role of violence and intimidation tactics in the business dealings of some artists and their associates.

The details

According to the Department of Justice, on January 10 three music industry professionals traveled to a Dallas recording studio for a meeting arranged by Pooh Shiesty. Once the meeting began, the complaint alleges that an 'armed takeover' ensued, with Pooh Shiesty producing an AK-style pistol and forcing one of the victims to sign a release from a recording contract at gunpoint. The other victims were then robbed of their valuables, with one victim even being choked nearly unconscious. The defendants are also accused of barricading the studio door to prevent the victims from leaving.

  • The incident occurred on January 10, 2026 in Dallas, Texas.
  • Pooh Shiesty was on home confinement at the time after being released from prison in October 2025, where he served over 3 years of a 5-year sentence on firearm conspiracy charges.
  • The eight defendants were arrested by the FBI on April 1, 2026.

The players

Pooh Shiesty

A Memphis rapper who was allegedly the ringleader of the group that carried out the kidnapping and robbery.

Lontrell Williams Sr.

Pooh Shiesty's father, who was also arrested and charged in the incident.

Big30

A fellow Memphis rapper who was arrested alongside Pooh Shiesty and his father.

Gucci Mane

A prominent music industry figure who was identified as one of the victims in the alleged kidnapping and robbery.

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What they’re saying

“'Williams Jr. produced an AK-style pistol and forced one of the victims to sign a release from the recording contract at gunpoint. The remaining conspirators displayed firearms and robbed the other victims of Rolex watches, jewelry, cash and other high-value items. One of the victims was actually choked by one of the victims to near-unconsciousness.'”

— Ryan Raybould, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas

What’s next

The eight defendants arrested face up to life in prison if convicted on the robbery and kidnapping charges. The FBI is still searching for one additional suspect who remains at large.

The takeaway

This case highlights the potential for violence and criminal behavior in the music industry, where disputes over lucrative recording contracts can escalate into serious allegations of kidnapping, robbery, and assault. It raises concerns about the role of intimidation tactics and the need for greater oversight and accountability in the business dealings of some artists and their associates.