ATLANTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 11: Rapper Pooh Shiesty performs onstage during 2021 Shiesty Season Spring Fest at Central Station on April 11, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
DALLAS – Federal authorities have charged nine individuals, including prominent Memphis rappers Lontrell Williams Jr., known as “Pooh Shiesty,” and Rodney Wright Jr., known as “BIG30,” in connection with a coordinated armed kidnapping and robbery at a Dallas music studio.
Pooh Shiesty arrested
What we know:
The investigation follows a January 10 incident where three music industry professionals traveled to Dallas for a meeting arranged by Williams Jr., purportedly to discuss his recording contract. According to a federal criminal complaint, the meeting was a ruse for a “coordinated armed takeover” executed by Williams Jr. and eight co-conspirators, many of whom traveled from Memphis to Texas.
Prosecutors allege that once the victims were inside the studio, Williams Jr. produced an AK-style pistol and held a victim at gunpoint, forcing them to sign a release from his recording contract. The other defendants, including Wright Jr., allegedly displayed firearms and robbed the victims of Rolex watches, cash, and jewelry.
The complaint states that Wright Jr. used his body to barricade the studio door to prevent the victims from escaping, while another victim was choked to the point of near unconsciousness.
At the time of the robbery, Williams Jr. was on federal home confinement for a prior firearms conspiracy conviction in Florida. His father, Lontrell Williams Sr., is also charged and is alleged to have helped plan and execute the kidnapping, including renting a vehicle used by the group.
Investigators linked the group to the crime using electronic monitoring data from Williams Jr.’s ankle monitor, license plate readers, and social media posts. Hours after the robbery, several defendants allegedly posted photos and videos on social media flaunting the stolen jewelry.
What they’re saying:
“The victims in this case came to Dallas to conduct legitimate business, and they were met with firearms and violence,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “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.”
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 09: Big30 visits SiriusXM Studios on May 09, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
What’s next:
The defendants federally charged with kidnapping and conspiracy to commit kidnapping include:
- Lontrell Williams Jr. (Pooh Shiesty)
- Lontrell Williams Sr.
- Rodney Wright Jr. (BIG30)
- Kedarius Waters
- Terrance Rodgers
- Damarian Gipson
- Demarcus Glover
- Kordae Johnson
- Darrion McDaniel
If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum sentence of up to life in federal prison.
The Source: Information in this article is from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas and federal court records.