Pooh Shiesty and Big30 Charged in Armed Kidnapping of Gucci Mane

Contract Dispute Turns Violent in Dallas Studio

What began as a business meeting to discuss a recording contract dispute turned into a federal kidnapping case when nine people, including rappers Pooh Shiesty and Big30, allegedly orchestrated an armed takeover at a Dallas recording studio on January 10, targeting Atlanta rap superstar Gucci Mane and two other music industry figures . Inside the recording room, Pooh Shiesty allegedly pulled an AK-style pistol and forced Gucci Mane to sign paperwork releasing him from his contract at gunpoint .

Gucci Mane, whose real name is Radric Davis, flew into Dallas that Saturday afternoon believing he was attending a meeting to discuss a recording contract dispute involving Pooh Shiesty, whose legal name is Lontrell Williams Jr. Pooh Shiesty first rose to fame with songs like Back in Blood and was signed to Gucci Mane's 1017 label before run-ins with the law . According to the complaint, Pooh Shiesty's father helped arrange the meeting and even visited a Staples store hours earlier, where investigators believe contract documents used in the alleged extortion were printed .

Investigators also cited electronic monitoring data showing Pooh Shiesty was at the studio despite being on home confinement for a prior federal firearms conviction . Pooh Shiesty was released from federal prison six months ago after pleading guilty to firearm and drug charges .

Coordinated Armed Robbery

As Pooh Shiesty forced Gucci Mane to sign the contract release, prosecutors say the remaining suspects drew firearms and began robbing others in the studio of Rolex watches, jewelry, cash and other high-value items . One victim was pushed onto a couch and had his wallet and jewelry stolen, while another was choked from behind to the point of near unconsciousness . Authorities say Rodney Wright Jr., known as Big30, helped block the studio door, preventing victims from escaping while armed suspects carried out the robbery .

Prosecutors say Williams Jr. then took Davis' wedding ring, watch, earrings, and cash . At one point, victims believed they were about to be killed, according to the complaint, before being ordered out of the studio . The group then fled the scene in multiple vehicles, including a Dodge Charger Hellcat, a Dodge Ram truck and a rented Buick Enclave .

Cellphone records, surveillance footage and license plate reader data showed several suspects traveled together from Memphis to Dallas in the days leading up to the incident and stayed overnight at a Dallas hotel after the robbery . In the hours and days after the incident, prosecutors say several suspects posted photos and videos on social media displaying large amounts of cash and jewelry believed to be stolen during the robbery .

Federal Charges and Evidence

Nine people, including rappers Pooh Shiesty and Big30, have been federally charged in connection with the alleged kidnapping and armed robbery, with eight of the nine defendants arrested this week in Dallas and Memphis . All nine defendants are charged with kidnapping and conspiracy to commit kidnapping, and if convicted as charged, each defendant faces a maximum sentence of up to life in federal prison .

Fingerprint evidence recovered from items inside the studio, including red plastic cups, also tied multiple suspects to the scene, according to the complaint . The last location for an AirTag attached to a stolen wallet was a parking lot next to where Williams Sr. currently has a leased apartment . Rental car records indicate that Williams's father, Lontrell Williams Sr., rented a vehicle used by the group and was part of the group at the studio and was charged in the complaint .

The case highlights how contract disputes in the music industry can escalate into serious criminal activity. "Instead of discussing business in a civil [manner], the defendants resorted to violence and intimidation to achieve their purported business objectives," Ryan Raybould, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, said in a statement . The federal charges signal that authorities are taking a hard line against using violence to resolve business disputes, regardless of celebrity status.