In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the music industry and hip-hop community, federal prosecutors have arrested Memphis rapper Pooh Shiesty (real name Lontrell Denell Williams Jr.) and eight others in connection with an alleged armed robbery and kidnapping linked to a recording-contract dispute involving Gucci Mane’s label, 1017 Records. The U.S. Department of Justice says the suspects carried out a violent armed takeover at a Dallas recording studio earlier this year that left multiple victims held at gunpoint, robbed of valuables, and — in at least one case — coerced into signing contract documents under threat.
According to the federal criminal complaint unsealed in early April 2026, the incident occurred on January 10 when Shiesty allegedly arranged a meeting at a Dallas studio under the pretense of discussing the terms of his contract with industry representatives. Among the three people who traveled for the meeting was Radric Delantic Davis, known professionally as Gucci Mane, whose 1017 Records imprint once signed Shiesty. Once inside, prosecutors say Shiesty produced an AK-style firearm, forced one victim — identified in the filings only by initials — at gunpoint to sign a contract release, and led a coordinated robbery of Rolex watches, jewelry, cash, and other high-value items. One victim was reportedly nearly choked unconscious during the ordeal.
Federal authorities allege that the group executed what they called an “armed takeover,” with some suspects barricading doors to prevent escape and others brandishing weapons to intimidate. Investigators captured evidence suggesting social media posts by conspirators depicted stolen items after the incident.
Eight suspects — including Pooh Shiesty’s father, Lontrell Williams Sr., and fellow Memphis rapper Big30 — have been arrested across cities including Dallas, Memphis, and Nashville. One additional individual remains at large. The defendants now face federal kidnapping, robbery, and conspiracy charges, which could carry life sentences if convicted.
The arrest marks a dramatic and troubling turn for Shiesty, who was released from federal prison roughly six months earlier after serving time on separate firearm and drug conspiracy charges. At the time of the alleged Dallas incident, he was reportedly under home confinement with court-ordered restrictions, including a prohibition on possessing firearms.
While neither Shiesty’s nor Gucci Mane’s representatives have publicly commented on the unfolding case, the allegations have sparked intense discussion online and in the music world about the role of violence in business disputes and the broader pressures within the hip-hop industry. Prosecutors have emphasized that violence and intimidation will be met with serious legal consequences, especially when individuals travel across state lines to commit such crimes.
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