Pooh Shiesty, Big30, and 7 Others Federally Charged in Armed Takeover: Gucci Mane Allegedly Kidnapped and Robbed at Gunpoint in Dallas Studio

 Atlanta rap icon Gucci Mane (real name Radric Delantic Davis) was allegedly among three victims kidnapped and robbed at gunpoint during a coordinated armed takeover at a Dallas music studio in January, according to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).

Federal prosecutors announced Thursday that nine men, including Memphis rappers Pooh Shiesty (Lontrell Williams Jr.) and Big30 (Rodney Wright Jr.), face charges related to the incident. Eight of the defendants have been arrested, with arrests carried out in Nashville, Dallas, and Memphis.

The alleged events unfolded on January 10, 2026, when the victims — music industry professionals, one identified as Gucci Mane — arrived at the studio expecting a business meeting to discuss a recording contract. Instead, authorities say the group executed a violent ambush.db9f07

According to the DOJ complaint and statements from U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould for the Northern District of Texas:

Pooh Shiesty allegedly produced an AK-style pistol and forced one victim to sign paperwork releasing him from a recording contract with Gucci Mane’s 1017 Records label at gunpoint.

The victim was also ordered to verbally confirm the release while under duress.

Big30 allegedly blocked the door to prevent victims from escaping.

Other co-conspirators robbed the victims of cash, jewelry (including Rolex watches and a wedding ring), and other luxury items.

One victim was reportedly choked to the point of near unconsciousness.

Prosecutors described the incident as a “coordinated armed takeover” rather than a legitimate business discussion. Pooh Shiesty’s father, Lontrell Williams Sr., is also among those charged and allegedly helped plan and execute the scheme.2201a2

Gucci Mane was not the only target; the group allegedly victimized three individuals present at the meeting.

Eight defendants were arrested on April 1, 2026. Pooh Shiesty and several others are in custody, while Big30’s status was reported as still at large in some early accounts, though arrests continue. The defendants face serious federal charges, including kidnapping and robbery, which could carry significant prison time. Pooh Shiesty was reportedly on home detention following a prior sentence at the time of the alleged offense, with terms prohibiting new federal crimes or firearm possession.

The case has sent shockwaves through the hip-hop community, highlighting tensions over record contracts and street-level disputes bleeding into the music business. Gucci Mane, a veteran artist and label executive known for his influence in trap music, has not publicly commented in detail as of this reporting.

This is a developing story. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The DOJ emphasized that the allegations involve violence and intimidation used to settle purported “business objectives.”