Federal prosecutors have charged rapper Pooh Shiesty and seven other men following the alleged armed kidnapping of hip-hop star Gucci Mane, per bbc.com. The incident, which took place at a Dallas recording studio in January, reportedly saw Mane held at gunpoint and forced to sign documents releasing the younger artist from his recording contract.
Pooh Shiesty, born Lontrell Williams Jr, was signed to Mane’s 1017 Records in 2020. Authorities allege that Williams Jr orchestrated the ambush under the pretence of a professional meeting. During the encounter, he reportedly brandished an AK-style pistol at his mentor, demanding his wedding ring, watch, and cash. Eight of the nine suspects, including the rapper’s father, were arrested this week across Dallas, Memphis, and Nashville.
The federal complaint details a harrowing ordeal in which Mane and several unidentified associates believed they were facing execution. One victim was reportedly choked and robbed of a Rolex and designer goods. US Attorney Ryan Raybould noted that hours after the attack, several defendants allegedly flaunted the stolen jewellery on social media.
Investigators are still searching for one final suspect believed to be in Georgia. At the time of the robbery, Williams Jr was meant to be under house arrest for a previous firearms conviction. If convicted of the current federal charges of kidnapping and armed robbery, the defendants could face life imprisonment. Representatives for both artists have yet to comment on the allegations.
•Featured image: Gucci Mane/Prince Williams/WireImage
