In an announcement made by the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday, April 2, it was revealed that rapper Gucci Mane was allegedly kidnapped by fellow artist Pooh Shiesty on January 10.
Pooh Sheisty, whose real name is Lontrell Denell Williams Jr., was arrested on April 1 in relation to kidnapping and robbing Gucci Mane, whose real name is Radric Delantic Davis, TMZ reported.
Gucci Mane Robbed & Kidnapped in Dallas
In a complaint filed with the DOJ in January, it was cited that Pooh Shiesty invited Gucci Mane and two other industry professionals to Dallas, Texas, to discuss the terms of his recording contract, Action News 5 reported. While at a music studio, Pooh Shiesty demanded he be released from his contract with Gucci Mane’s record label, 1017 Global Music.
As Pooh Shiesty was handling his contract, his co-conspirators robbed Gucci Mane and his crew of their Rolex watches, jewelry, cash and other forms of expensive items.
According to the DOJ, Pooh Shiesty “forced one of the victims to sign a release from the recording contract at gunpoint” by using an AK-style weapon.
The formal complaint further noted that Pooh Shiesty’s friend and fellow rapper Big30 used his body to barricade the studio door to prevent anyone from escaping. One victim was also choked to the point of almost becoming unconscious.
Defendants to Face Maximum Sentence of Life in Prison
Eight of the nine suspects have been arrested, with authorities tracking down each defendant in multiple cities, including Memphis, Nashville and Dallas. Pooh Shiesty’s dad, Lontrell Williams Sr., was taken into custody, as well as Rodney Wright Jr. (BIG30), Kedarius Waters, Damarian Gipson, Demarcus Glover, Kordae Johnson and Darrion McDaniel. Authorities are still in the process of arresting suspect Terrence Rodgers, according to the DOJ.
During the official press announcement on April 2, Northern District of Texas U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould warned that a crime of this magnitude will always lead to an investigation and prosecution. “The victims in this case came to Dallas to conduct legitimate business, and they were met with firearms and violence. For anyone contemplating using violence and intimidation as a business practice, I’m here to tell you that it will be vigorously investigated and prosecuted,” Raybould stated.
If convicted and found guilty of kidnapping and conspiracy to commit kidnapping, the defendants could face a maximum sentence of up to life in federal prison.
