In brief
Rapper Gucci Mane was reportedly kidnapped by fellow artist Pooh Shiesty and eight others in a Dallas recording studio. The alleged crime involved threats with firearms, signing of contract release papers under duress, and theft of personal items. Prosecutors are pursuing severe charges against the defendants, who could face life sentences if convicted.
Rapper Gucci Mane was allegedly kidnapped at gunpoint in Dallas earlier this year, leading to the arrests of eight men, including a fellow artist signed to his label, officials say.
Prosecutors allege rapper Pooh Shiesty, born Lontrell Williams Jr., led the ambush under the guise of a meeting, holding Mane captive inside a recording studio and forcing him to sign papers releasing him from his contract.
Mane is an Atlanta-based artist who has collaborated with Usher, Doja Cat, Drake and other stars. He founded his label, 1017 Records, in 2007 and signed Williams Jr. as an artist in 2020.
The defendants, who are yet to enter their pleas, could face life in prison if convicted.
Eight of the nine defendants were arrested on Wednesday in Dallas, Memphis and Nashville, and charged in federal court with kidnapping and armed robbery.
One suspect remains at large, and investigators are working with authorities in Georgia to locate him, U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould told a news conference.
The incident took place on January 10, when Williams Jr. was supposed to be under house arrest for a previous firearms conspiracy conviction.
He was allegedly joined by eight co-defendants, including his father, Lontrell Williams Sr., all accused of participating in the crime.
A sworn statement from the FBI says Williams Jr. pointed a black AK-style pistol at Mane and forced him to sign the papers. He also allegedly stole Mane's wedding ring, watch, earrings and cash.
The other suspects allegedly brandished pistols as well, demanding property from additional victims in the room.
One victim was choked and injured, suffering loss of valuable items including a Rolex watch and wallet.
Prosecutors reported that shortly after the crime, some defendants were on social media displaying items that appeared to belong to the victims.
They believed that they were going to be executed before being ordered to leave the building.
Representatives for Williams Jr. and Mane did not respond to requests for comment.
