Pooh Shiesty, Eight Charged in Dallas Studio Kidnapping
Federal prosecutors say Pooh Shiesty led an armed takeover at a Dallas studio on Jan. 10, 2026 to force a contract release from 1017 Records' owner.
CNNRapper Pooh Shiesty charged with kidnapping over alleged dispute involving rapper Gucci Mane’s label | CNN
Daily CallerRapper Allegedly Launches 'Armed Takeover' To Get Out Of Contract
USA TODAYGucci Mane allegedly robbed, kidnapped at studio by rapper Pooh Shiesty
Vice NewsRapper Pooh Shiesty Arrested for Alleged Kidnapping of Gucci Mane
Associated PressRapper Pooh Shiesty charged with kidnapping over alleged dispute involving rapper Gucci Mane's label
Overview
The U.S. Attorney's Office in Dallas announced on April 2, 2026 that prosecutors charged Pooh Shiesty (Lontrell Williams Jr.) and eight others with robbing and kidnapping three men at gunpoint.
Prosecutors say the Jan. 10, 2026 incident occurred when three music industry professionals, including R.D., owner of 1017 Records (Radric Delantic Davis), flew to Dallas for a meeting arranged by Pooh Shiesty, according to an affidavit.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould described Pooh Shiesty as the "ringleader" and said investigators used device data, surveillance video, cell phone records and social media images in the probe, according to the affidavit and Raybould's statements.
Eight of the nine suspects were arrested on April 1, 2026 across Dallas, Memphis and Nashville, and prosecutors named Big30 (Rodney Wright) and Lontrell Williams Sr. among the defendants.
The criminal complaint was filed in the Northern District of Texas, and prosecutors said the charges carry penalties of up to life in prison if the defendants are convicted.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present this story neutrally, largely relaying attributed allegations from the FBI affidavit and U.S. attorney while labeling charged language as statements from prosecutors. Coverage includes factual background on Gucci Mane and notes attempts to reach defense, limiting editorial language. The piece centers source claims and documentary evidence rather than reporter evaluation.