DALLAS (AP) — Federal prosecutors on Thursday accused rapper Pooh Shiesty and eight others of robbing three men at gunpoint and kidnapping them earlier this year in Texas following a contract dispute involving rapper Gucci Mane’s record label.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Dallas declined to name the victims, who are only referred to by their initials, with one victim, R.D., identified as the owner of 1017 Records, Gucci Mane’s label. “The victims in this case came to Dallas to conduct legitimate business and they were met with firearms and violence,” said Ryan Raybould, the U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Texas, at a news conference Thursday.
The alleged confrontation occurred on January 10, when the three victims flew to Dallas for what they thought was a business meeting. Prosecutors suggested that Pooh Shiesty, whose real name is Lontrell Williams Jr., arranged the meeting to discuss contract terms.
Once at the recording studio, Pooh Shiesty and eight co-conspirators — several of whom had traveled from Memphis — executed a coordinated armed takeover. Raybould described Pooh Shiesty as the “ringleader of the conspiracy.” Eight of the nine accused were arrested on Wednesday.
According to the indictment, once the three men were inside the studio, Williams Jr. allegedly brandished an AK-style pistol, coercing one victim to sign a release from their recording contract, while co-defendants displayed firearms and robbed them of watches, jewelry, and cash. One victim suffered near strangulation, and another defendant physically blocked the door to prevent escape.
Prosecutors noted that shortly after leaving the studio, some defendants were seen on social media showcasing items that appeared to be stolen from the victims. Pooh Shiesty, who did not respond to requests for comment, was under home confinement due to a previous firearms conspiracy conviction in Florida during the incident.
Gucci Mane, an influential figure in trap music, remains active with new music initiatives and has previously highlighted his personal journey through struggles with mental health and substance abuse. As of Thursday, Pooh Shiesty continued to be featured as an artist at 1017 Records.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Dallas declined to name the victims, who are only referred to by their initials, with one victim, R.D., identified as the owner of 1017 Records, Gucci Mane’s label. “The victims in this case came to Dallas to conduct legitimate business and they were met with firearms and violence,” said Ryan Raybould, the U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Texas, at a news conference Thursday.
The alleged confrontation occurred on January 10, when the three victims flew to Dallas for what they thought was a business meeting. Prosecutors suggested that Pooh Shiesty, whose real name is Lontrell Williams Jr., arranged the meeting to discuss contract terms.
Once at the recording studio, Pooh Shiesty and eight co-conspirators — several of whom had traveled from Memphis — executed a coordinated armed takeover. Raybould described Pooh Shiesty as the “ringleader of the conspiracy.” Eight of the nine accused were arrested on Wednesday.
According to the indictment, once the three men were inside the studio, Williams Jr. allegedly brandished an AK-style pistol, coercing one victim to sign a release from their recording contract, while co-defendants displayed firearms and robbed them of watches, jewelry, and cash. One victim suffered near strangulation, and another defendant physically blocked the door to prevent escape.
Prosecutors noted that shortly after leaving the studio, some defendants were seen on social media showcasing items that appeared to be stolen from the victims. Pooh Shiesty, who did not respond to requests for comment, was under home confinement due to a previous firearms conspiracy conviction in Florida during the incident.
Gucci Mane, an influential figure in trap music, remains active with new music initiatives and has previously highlighted his personal journey through struggles with mental health and substance abuse. As of Thursday, Pooh Shiesty continued to be featured as an artist at 1017 Records.
