Dallas — Federal authorities have charged nine men, including Memphis rappers Lontrell Williams Jr., known as Pooh Shiesty, and Rodney Wright Jr., known as Big30, with kidnapping and conspiracy to commit kidnapping in connection with an armed robbery at a music studio in Dallas on January 10, 2026.
According to a federal criminal complaint, three music industry professionals, including Atlanta rapper Gucci Mane (Radric Davis), traveled to Dallas for a business meeting arranged by Williams Jr. to discuss the terms of his recording contract with Gucci Mane’s 1017 Records. Once inside the studio, the group allegedly executed a coordinated armed takeover.
Prosecutors allege that Williams Jr. produced an AK-style pistol and forced one victim to sign a release from the recording contract at gunpoint. The remaining suspects displayed firearms, robbed the victims of Rolex watches, jewelry, cash and other valuables, and barricaded the studio door to prevent escape. One victim was choked to the point of near unconsciousness. No fatalities or additional serious injuries beyond those described have been publicly detailed.
Eight of the nine defendants were arrested Wednesday in Dallas, Memphis and Nashville.Eight of the nine defendants were arrested Wednesday in Dallas, Memphis and Nashville. The ninth suspect, Terrance Rodgers, remains at large. The charged individuals are: Lontrell Williams Jr. (Pooh Shiesty), Lontrell Williams Sr., Rodney Wright Jr. (Big30), Kedarius Waters, Terrance Rodgers, Damarian Gipson, Demarcus Glover, Kordae Johnson and Darrion McDaniel. Williams Jr. was on federal home confinement at the time for a prior firearms conviction.
The FBI Dallas Violent Crimes Task Force led the investigation, with assistance from multiple agencies including the Memphis Police Department and other federal partners. Evidence cited includes electronic monitoring data, cell phone records, surveillance footage, fingerprints, rental car records and social media posts allegedly showing stolen items shortly after the incident. If convicted, each defendant faces up to life in prison.
The incident has drawn attention in the music industry and local community, highlighting risks associated with high-profile business dealings in Dallas’ entertainment scene. The case is being prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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Eight of the nine defendants were arrested Wednesday in Dallas, Memphis and Nashville.
