Rapper Pooh Shiesty Accused of Kidnapping, Robbing Studio Owner

Rapper Pooh Shiesty Faces Charges in Dallas Studio Robbery

Memphis rapper Pooh Shiesty, whose real name is Lantrell Williams Jr., has been charged by federal prosecutors in Dallas with kidnapping and robbing three men at gunpoint. The incident reportedly took place earlier this year at a Dallas recording studio. The court documents identify the victims only by their initials, but one victim, known as RD, is described as the owner of the 1017 record label. This label was founded by Grammy-nominated rapper Gucci Mane, whose real name is Radric Davis.

Dispute Over Record Contract Sparks Violent Encounter

According to the Department of Justice, the alleged crime began with a disagreement over a record contract. Pooh Shiesty, who was reportedly on house arrest at the time for a previous firearms conviction related to drug trafficking, is accused of leading a group to rob and kidnap the individuals. The motive, as stated by prosecutors, was for Pooh Shiesty to get out of his recording contract with Gucci Mane’s label, New 1017 Records. This move would have been a significant financial blow to Gucci Mane’s label, as Pooh Shiesty is described as a popular artist with hit music, making him profitable.

Studio Meeting Turns Into Armed Ambush

The event unfolded on January 10th, when three music industry professionals traveled to Dallas for a scheduled business meeting. Prosecutors say Pooh Shiesty arranged this meeting to discuss his contract terms. However, once inside the recording studio, the situation turned violent. Surveillance images captured Pooh Shisty, his father, and seven other individuals before they entered the studio.

Victims Forced to Sign Release at Gunpoint

Inside the studio, Pooh Shiesty allegedly produced a black AK-style pistol and pointed it at the head of the victim identified as RD. He demanded that RD sign contractual release paperwork, which the victim reportedly complied with. Gucci Mane’s legal name, Radric Davis, matches the initials RD. The remaining conspirators in the group also displayed firearms and proceeded to rob the other victims of expensive jewelry and cash.

“The victims in this case came to Dallas to conduct legitimate business and they were met with firearms and violence,” stated Ryan Rabel, the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, during a press conference. “This case should serve as a warning to others who believe that using violence and intimidation tactics to rob others in our community is a viable way of to conduct business.”

Choking and Theft Allegations

The criminal complaint further details that one of the victims was choked by a defendant to the point of near unconsciousness. Rodney Wright Jr., a rapper known as Big 30, is accused of barricading the studio door with his body to prevent the victims from escaping. Lantrell Williams Sr., Pooh Shiesty’s father, is alleged to have helped plan and carry out the kidnapping.

Evidence Points to Coordinated Crime

Investigators have gathered significant evidence to support the charges. This includes electronic monitoring data placing Pooh Shiesty at the crime scene, which also violates his home confinement conditions. Cell phone records and license plate reader data show coordinated travel from Memphis, Tennessee, to Dallas. Rental car records confirm that Lantrell Williams Sr. rented a vehicle used by the group. Fingerprint evidence was recovered from the crime scene matching at least two defendants.

Social Media Posts Highlight Stolen Items

Furthermore, social media posts made by some of the defendants within hours of leaving the studio appear to show them displaying jewelry believed to have been stolen from the victims. One post highlighted a large amount of cash, and another showed a suspect, identified as Terrence Rogers, wearing various pieces of jewelry, including potentially stolen items and sneakers.

Nine Suspects Charged, One Still at Large

A total of nine individuals have been charged in connection with the incident. Eight of the suspects were arrested in Dallas, Memphis, and Nashville. These include Lantrell Williams Jr. (Pooh Shiesty), Lantrell Williams Sr., Rodney Wright Jr. (Big 30), Cadarius Waters, Dearan Gibson, Demarcus Glover, Cord Johnson, and Darien McDaniel. Terrence Rogers is the only suspect who has not yet been apprehended but is believed to be in Georgia.

Broader Implications and Future Proceedings

The U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasized the importance of investigating violent crimes and thanked the various law enforcement agencies involved in the multi-jurisdictional investigation. The case highlights the collaborative efforts needed to combat crime across different regions. Prosecutors aim to send a strong message that violence and intimidation will not be tolerated and that those who engage in such activities will be brought to justice. The investigation and prosecution involved numerous agencies, including the FBI, Dallas Police Department, and U.S. Attorney’s Offices in multiple districts.

What’s Next?

With eight of the nine suspects in custody, legal proceedings are expected to move forward. The focus will now be on the evidence presented and the upcoming court dates for all charged individuals. The ongoing search for Terrence Rogers continues, with authorities urging the public for any information regarding his whereabouts.

Source: Rapper Gucci Mane reportedly kidnapped and robbed, Pooh Shiesty implicated (YouTube)