Two Memphis rappers arrested, accused of robbing, kidnapping rapper Gucci Mane, two others

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – Two Memphis rappers and seven others have been arrested following an FBI investigation into an alleged robbery and kidnapping involving other rappers.

The North Texas U.S. Attorney’s Office held a press conference in Dallas on Thursday announcing the arrest of nine people, including Memphis rapper Lontrell Williams Jr., known as Pooh Shiesty. FBI Memphis confirmed to Action News 5 that Shiesty’s father, Lontrell Williams Sr., was also arrested following a raid Wednesday at the family’s home in Cordova.

The Department of Justice says Shiesty, along with another Memphis rapper, Rodney Wright Jr., known as Big30, and seven others are accused of robbing and kidnapping multiple victims at a music studio in Dallas, including Atlanta rapper Radric Davis, known as Gucci Mane. Arrests were made in Memphis, Nashville, and Dallas. The other arrests include Kedarius Waters, Terrance Rodgers, Damarian Gipson, Demarcus Glover, Kordae Johnson and Darrion McDaniel.

According to the DOJ, on Jan. 10 Shiesty and three other music professionals traveled from Memphis to Dallas for a meeting with two music professionals to discuss a contract with one of the victims. Investigators allege that while the men were inside the studio, Shiesty and eight co-conspirators held them at gunpoint. The DOJ says Shiesty forced one victim to sign a release form from the music label while being threatened with a gun.

Authorities allege the other suspects stole cash and high-value items, including a Rolex and jewelry.

The DOJ also says one victim was choked to the point of near unconsciousness. Big30 is accused of barricading a door to prevent the victims from leaving.

Shiesty’s father is accused of helping plan and carry out the incident. The DOJ says suspects later posted photos on social media with items believed to have been stolen during the robbery.

Pooh Shiesty was released from federal prison six months ago after pleading guilty to firearm and drug charges.

The DOJ said several pieces of evidence tying the defendants to the federal crime include:

• Electronic monitoring putting Pooh Shiesty at the location, despite home-detention restrictions.
• Cell phone records and license plate readers show multiple defendants traveling from Memphis to Dallas together.
• Records show Pooh Shiesty’s father renting a car the group used.
• Surveillance footage showing activity at the offense site, a nearby office supply store, and a hotel where several defendants stayed afterward.
• Latent prints from the scene match two defendants.
• Defendants posting on social media showing what appears to be stolen property days later.
• Greyhound records show multiple defendants traveling back to Memphis from Dallas the next day.

If convicted, the DOJ says each individual could face a sentence up to life imprisonment.

The DOJ said they had assistance from several agencies including the Memphis Safe Task Force and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee.

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