Rapper Pooh Shiesty Faces Federal Charges for Armed Robbery and Kidnapping in Dallas
Federal prosecutors have leveled serious accusations against rapper Pooh Shiesty and eight other individuals, alleging they orchestrated a violent armed robbery and kidnapping in Dallas, Texas. The incident, which occurred in January, is linked to a contract dispute involving the record label owned by hip-hop star Gucci Mane.
Details of the Alleged Confrontation
According to an FBI affidavit, the three victims traveled to Dallas for what they believed was a legitimate business meeting at a music studio. Pooh Shiesty, whose legal name is Lontrell Williams Jr, allegedly arranged the gathering to discuss terms related to his contract with 1017 Records, the label founded by Gucci Mane. Once inside the studio, Williams Jr and his co-conspirators, several of whom had journeyed from Memphis, Tennessee, executed a coordinated armed takeover.
Ryan Raybould, the U.S. Attorney for the northern district of Texas, described Pooh Shiesty as the "ringleader" of the operation. Prosecutors claim that during the meeting, Williams Jr produced contract termination paperwork and forced the owner of 1017 Records, referred to by initials RD, to sign at gunpoint. The assailants then allegedly stole the victim's wedding ring, watch, earrings, and cash.
Violence and Kidnapping Allegations
The affidavit further details that other defendants brandished firearms and demanded property from the remaining two victims. One victim, identified as MM, was reportedly choked to near-unconsciousness, while rapper Big30, legally named Rodney Wright, blocked the studio door to prevent escape. All nine individuals face charges of robbery and kidnapping, with eight arrested on Wednesday. Investigators utilized electronic monitoring data, surveillance footage, cellphone records, and social media posts to build their case.
Background and Legal Context
At the time of the alleged incident, Pooh Shiesty was on home confinement for a prior firearms conspiracy conviction in Florida, mandated to wear an electronic monitoring device. His attorney, Bradford Cohen, has not yet responded to requests for comment. Gucci Mane, a pioneer of trap music with a history of legal issues, including a 2014 federal firearms sentence, has not commented publicly on the case. His publicists did not immediately reply to emailed inquiries.
This case highlights ongoing tensions in the music industry and raises questions about contract disputes escalating into criminal violence. Prosecutors emphasized that the victims were music industry professionals seeking to conduct legitimate business, only to be met with firearms and aggression.
