The US Department of Justice announced on April 2, 2026, that eight people, including rappers Pooh Shiesty and Big30, had been arrested in Dallas, Memphis, and Nashville in connection with an alleged kidnapping and armed robbery at a music studio in Dallas, with one suspect remaining at large.
Federal prosecutors said the incident occurred on Jan. 10, 2026, when three music industry professionals traveled to Dallas for a meeting arranged by Pooh Shiesty, whose legal name is Lontrell Denell Williams Jr., to discuss a dispute over a recording contract with Gucci Mane’s 1017 Records label, to which Pooh Shiesty has been signed since 2020. According to authorities, the meeting evolved into what officials described as a “coordinated armed takeover” involving nine individuals, many of whom had traveled together from Memphis.
Prosecutors allege that during the incident, Bo Shiesty produced an AK-style firearm and forced the victim to sign a release from his registration contract at gunpoint. The other suspects allegedly brandished weapons and stole valuables from the victims including Rolex watches, jewelry and cash.
One victim was reportedly suffocated almost to the point of unconsciousness, while Big30, whose legal name is Rodney Lamont Wright Jr., was kidnapped.
He was accused of barricading the exits to prevent victims from escaping. Among the victims was Atlanta rapper Gucci Mane, whose legal name is Radric Delantic Davis, as identified by local Dallas outlet WFAA. Officials did not mention the names of all the victims at the press conference. In devastating details for prosecutors, several suspects allegedly posted photos of stolen items on social media within hours of the incident, providing investigators with additional evidence.
Investigators said evidence includes electronic surveillance data, cellphone records and license plate reader information that confirms several suspects traveled together from Memphis to Dallas. Authorities also allege that Lontrell Williams Sr., Boh Shisty’s father, helped organize the incident, rented the car used by the group, and was arrested after an FBI raid on the family’s home in Cordova, Tennessee, on April 1.
The full list of individuals charged includes Lontrell Williams Jr. (Pooh Shisty), Lontrell Williams Sr., Rodney Wright Jr. (Big30), Kadarius Waters, Demarion Gibson, DeMarcus Glover, Corday Johnson, Darian McDaniel, and Terrence Rodgers – the only suspect remaining at large as of the April 2 press conference.
Officials said Williams Jr. was under house arrest at the time of the alleged crimes, and was released in October 2025 after serving nearly three years of a federal sentence for conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of violent crimes and drug trafficking following a 2020 shooting at a Miami hotel. The conditions of his release expressly prohibit him from committing further crimes or possessing firearms. Prosecutors noted that committing a violent crime while these restrictions were in place would be considered an aggravating factor during sentencing. The case is being prosecuted by the US Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas. At the press conference, US Attorney Ryan R. Raybould: “These individuals kidnapped and robbed at gunpoint multiple victims at a music studio in Dallas.
“ Fellow US Attorney Chad Meacham added: “We must hold perpetrators of violent crimes accountable, regardless of their celebrity status.” Authorities said potential sentences could range from zero to life in prison depending on individual charges and criminal history. Officials have not confirmed whether Gucci Mane was physically harmed during the incident. No public statements have been made by Gucci Mane, Big30, or the legal representatives of any of the accused.
The case remains active, as authorities follow up on the pending arrest of Terrence Rodgers.
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