Rappers Pooh Shiesty and Big30 Among 9 Charged in Violent Dallas Studio Ambush

Federal authorities dismantled a kidnapping and robbery ring involving prominent musical artists following a coordinated sting operation.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 1:19pm

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Federal authorities have charged nine individuals, including high-profile rappers Lontrell Williams Jr. (known as 'Pooh Shiesty') and Rodney Wright Jr. (known as 'Big30'), for an armed takeover of a Dallas music studio that left victims battered and robbed at gunpoint. The defendants allegedly lured the victims to the studio under the guise of a business meeting, then executed a violent heist, stealing Rolex watches, jewelry, and cash.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing problem of violent crime involving prominent figures in the music industry. It also raises concerns about the use of electronic monitoring and digital evidence to track suspects across state lines, as well as the challenges of prosecuting complex, multi-jurisdictional cases.

The details

According to the federal complaint, on January 10, three music industry professionals arrived in Dallas for what they believed was a legitimate business meeting. Instead, prosecutors say the victims walked into a trap orchestrated by Williams Jr. Once inside the studio, Williams Jr. and eight co-conspirators, many of whom had traveled from Memphis, executed an armed takeover. Williams Jr. is accused of brandishing an AK-style pistol and forcing one victim to sign a contract release at gunpoint. The other conspirators allegedly displayed firearms and stripped the professionals of their belongings, with one victim being choked until nearly losing consciousness.

  • On January 10, the incident unfolded at the Dallas music studio.
  • On Tuesday, law enforcement arrested eight of the nine defendants across Dallas and Memphis.

The players

Lontrell Williams Jr.

Also known as 'Pooh Shiesty,' a high-profile rapper charged in the case.

Rodney Wright Jr.

Also known as 'Big30,' a high-profile rapper charged in the case.

Lontrell Williams Sr.

One of the nine individuals charged in the case.

Ryan Raybould

United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, who announced the charges.

D. Michael Dunavant

U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, who noted the multi-agency effort to track the suspects.

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What they’re saying

“Instead of discussing business in a civil matter, the defendants resorted to violence and intimidation to achieve their purported business objectives.”

— Ryan Raybould, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas

“A massive multi-agency 'team concept' was required to track the suspects across state lines, involving the FBI, local police, and even aviation assets from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.”

— D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee

What’s next

The defendants are expected to be transported to the Northern District of Texas to face the charges, which could result in life in prison if convicted.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing problem of violent crime involving prominent figures in the music industry, as well as the challenges of prosecuting complex, multi-jurisdictional cases using digital evidence and electronic monitoring data.