The U.S. 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 Dallas music studio, with one suspect still at large. Federal prosecutors said the incident occurred on January 10, 2026, when three music industry professionals traveled to Dallas for a meeting allegedly organized by Pooh Shisty, whose legal name is Lontrell Dannell Williams Jr., to discuss a recording contract dispute with Gucci Mane’s 1017 Records label, to which Pooh Shisty had been signed since 2020. According to officials, the meeting escalated so much that officials described it as a “coordinated armed takeover”, involving nine individuals, many of whom had traveled together from Memphis. Prosecutors allege that during the incident, Pooh Shiesty produced an AK-style gun and forced a victim at gunpoint to sign a release from a recording contract. Other suspects allegedly brandished weapons and looted valuables from the victims, including Rolex watches, jewelery and cash. One victim was allegedly strangled nearly unconscious, while Big30, whose legal name is Rodney Lamont Wright Jr., is accused of barricading exits to prevent victims from escaping. The victims included Atlanta rapper Gucci Mane, whose legal name is Radrick Delantic Davis, identified by local Dallas outlet WFAA. Authorities did not release the names of all the victims at the press conference. In a damaging detail for prosecutors, several suspects reportedly posted photos of the stolen items on social media within hours of the incident, providing investigators with additional evidence. Investigators said evidence included electronic surveillance data, mobile phone records and license plate reader information that confirmed multiple suspects traveled together from Memphis to Dallas. Authorities also allege that Pooh Shisty’s father, Lontrell Williams Sr., helped organize the event, rented the vehicle 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 those charged includes Lontrell Williams Jr. (Pooh Shisty), Lontrell Williams Sr., Rodney Wright Jr. (Big30), Kadarius Waters, DeMarion Gibson, DeMarcus Glover, Korday Johnson, Darrian McDaniel, and Terrence Rodgers – the only suspect who remained at large until the April 2 press conference. Williams Jr., who was on home arrest at the time of the alleged crimes, was released in October 2025 after serving nearly three years of a federal sentence for conspiring to possess a firearm in furtherance of crimes of violence and drug trafficking following a 2020 shooting at a Miami hotel, authorities said. The conditions of his release explicitly prohibited him from committing further crimes or possessing firearms. Prosecutors said committing a violent crime under such restrictions would be considered an aggravating factor during sentencing. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas. At the press conference, US Attorney Ryan R. Raybould said: “These individuals kidnapped and robbed multiple victims at gunpoint in a music studio in Dallas.“ His associate U.S. Attorney Chad E. Meacham said: “We must hold those who commit violent crimes accountable, regardless of their celebrity status.” Officials said potential sentences could range from zero to life in prison, depending on the individual charges and criminal history. Authorities have not confirmed whether Gucci Mane was physically harmed during the incident. No public statement has been issued by Gucci Mane, Big30 or legal representatives for any of the accused. The case remains active, with authorities attempting to arrest Terrence Rodgers.
