DOJ arrests Pooh Shiesty and Big30 in Dallas, Gucci Mane kidnapping case rocks rap world news

The U.S. Department of Justice announced on April 2, 2026 that eight people, including rappers Pooh Shiesty and Big30, were arrested in Dallas, Memphis and Nashville on suspicion of kidnapping and armed robbery at a Dallas music studio. One of the suspects is still at large. Federal prosecutors say the incident occurred on January 10, 2026, when three music industry professionals traveled to Dallas for a meeting allegedly arranged by Pooh Shiesty, whose legal name is Lotrell Denell Williams Jr., to discuss a recording contract dispute with Gucci Mane’s 1017 Records, with whom Pooh Shiesty has been signed since 2020. The meeting escalated into what officials called a “coordinated armed takeover” involving nine people, several of whom had traveled together from Memphis, according to authorities. During the incident, prosecutors said Pooh Shiesty pulled out an AK-style firearm and pointed it at the victim to sign a release form from her record contract. Other suspects allegedly brandished weapons and robbed victims of their valuables, including Rolex watches, jewelry and cash. One victim was reportedly choked to the point of being nearly unconscious, and Big30, whose legal name is Rodney Lamont Wright Jr., is accused of blocking the exit to prevent the victim from escaping. Dallas local media WFAA confirmed that the victims included Atlanta rapper Gucci Mane, whose legal name was Radric Delantic Davis. Officials did not release the names of all the victims at a news conference. In a damaging detail for prosecutors, multiple suspects allegedly posted photos of stolen items on social media within hours of the incident, providing investigators with more evidence. Investigators said evidence including electronic surveillance data, cell phone records and license plate reader information confirmed that multiple suspects traveled together from Memphis to Dallas. Authorities also allege that Pooh Shiesty’s father, Lontrell Williams Sr., helped organize the incident, rented a vehicle used by the group and was arrested in an April 1 FBI raid on his home in Cordova, Tennessee. The full list of those charged includes Pooh Shiesty, Lontrell Williams Jr., Rodney Wright Jr. (Big30), Kadarius Waters, Demarion Gibson, DeMarcus Glover, Corday Johnson, Darian McDaniel and Terrence Rodgers, the only suspects still at large as of the April 2 press conference. Williams, who was on house arrest at the time of the alleged crime, was released in October 2025 from an approximately three-year federal sentence for conspiring to possess a firearm to commit a violent and drug-trafficking crime following a 2020 shooting at a Miami hotel, officials said. The terms of his release specifically prohibit him from committing further crimes or possessing firearms. Prosecutors noted that committing a violent crime under such restrictions would be considered an aggravating factor in sentencing. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas. “These individuals kidnapped and robbed numerous victims at gunpoint from a Dallas music studio,” U.S. Attorney Ryan R. Raybould said at a news conference.“ His colleague U.S. Attorney Chad E. Meacham added: “We must hold those who commit violent crimes accountable, regardless of their celebrity status.” Potential penalties could range from zero to life in prison, depending on individual charges and criminal records, authorities said. Officials have not confirmed whether Gucci Mane was physically harmed in the incident. There have been no public statements from Gucci Mane, Big30 or any of the defendants’ legal representatives. The case remains open and authorities are searching for Terrence Rogers, who has not yet been arrested.