Rapper Pooh Shiesty charged with kidnapping Gucci Mane over record label dispute

Pooh Shiesty and eight others are accused of targeting three individuals during a meeting in Texas earlier this year

Federal prosecutors have charged rapper Pooh Shiesty in connection with an alleged armed robbery and kidnapping involving a dispute linked to Gucci Mane’s record label.

According to the US Attorney’s Office in Dallas, Pooh Shiesty, whose legal name is Lontrell Williams Jr., and eight others are accused of targeting three individuals during a meeting in Texas earlier this year. Authorities allege the victims had travelled to Dallas on January 10 for what they believed was a legitimate business discussion.

“The victims in this case came to Dallas to conduct legitimate business and they were met with firearms and violence,” said Ryan Raybould, US attorney for the Northern District of Texas.

Prosecutors claim the meeting was arranged to discuss contract terms with 1017 Records, a label owned by Gucci Mane, whose legal name is Radric Delantic Davis. One of the alleged victims is described as the label’s owner, identified in court documents as R.D.

According to an FBI affidavit, the situation escalated after the group entered a recording studio, where prosecutors allege a coordinated armed confrontation took place. Raybould described Pooh Shiesty as the “ringleader” of the incident.

The affidavit states that Williams Jr. presented contract termination documents and demanded they be signed. When a disagreement followed, he allegedly produced what appeared to be an AK-style firearm and forced compliance, while also taking personal belongings including jewellery and cash.

Authorities further allege that other individuals involved used firearms to restrain the remaining victims, with one reportedly choked to near unconsciousness. Investigators said evidence includes electronic monitoring data, surveillance footage and mobile phone records.

Eight of the nine defendants were arrested on Wednesday. At the time of the alleged incident, prosecutors said Williams Jr. was on home confinement related to a prior firearms conviction.