Rappers Pooh Shiesty and Big30 Charged in Dallas Studio Ambush Kidnapping

Federal indictments reveal accusations of kidnapping and armed robbery against multiple individuals, including rappers Pooh Shiesty and Big30, targeting music figures, notably Gucci Mane, in a Dallas recording studio earlier this year.

Nine individuals face federal charges in connection with an alleged violent encounter at a Dallas recording studio. The U.S. Department of Justice announced the indictments Thursday, detailing accusations of kidnapping and armed robbery. Among those charged are rappers Pooh Shiesty, real name Lontrell Williams Jr., and Big30, whose legal name is Rodney Wright Jr.

Authorities claim the incident occurred in January. According to a federal criminal complaint, the group allegedly orchestrated an armed takeover inside the studio. Victims, including rapper Gucci Mane (Radric Davis), had reportedly arrived in Dallas for a meeting to discuss a recording contract dispute involving Pooh Shiesty. Instead, they encountered the alleged ambush.

Read More: Tiger Woods arrest footage shows confusion after Florida crash

Big30 is accused of blocking the studio door, reportedly preventing victims from escaping while armed suspects carried out the robbery. Prosecutors state that one victim was forced at gunpoint to sign a release from a recording contract. Pooh Shiesty's father, Lontrell Williams Sr., is also named as a suspect and is alleged to have helped plan and execute the operation.

So far, eight of the nine accused have been arrested. These arrests took place across Dallas, Memphis, and Nashville. The Department of Justice indicated that each defendant could face up to life in prison if convicted.

Background:

Pooh Shiesty has prior legal entanglements, including being on home confinement for a firearms conspiracy conviction out of Florida at the time of the alleged incident. He was reportedly released early from a prior sentence. Gucci Mane himself has a history with federal charges related to firearms.

Read More: Joseph Duggar jailed father Jim Bob writes letter about 'terrible decisions'

The alleged victims, including Gucci Mane and others associated with the music industry, had flown into Dallas for what they believed was a business meeting. The complaint outlines that the event was intended to address a recording contract dispute. The Department of Justice has not provided further details regarding the specific nature of the recording contract or the individuals involved beyond the primary accusers and accused.