In brief
Gucci Mane was allegedly kidnapped and robbed at gunpoint in Dallas earlier this year by fellow rapper Pooh Shiesty and eight others. Prosecutors claim Shiesty led the ambush, forcing Mane to sign contract release papers while brandishing a firearm. The incident has prompted federal charges against the group, who could face life in prison if convicted.
Rapper Gucci Mane was allegedly kidnapped at gunpoint in Dallas earlier this year, leading to the arrests of eight men, including a fellow artist signed to his label, officials say. Prosecutors allege rapper Pooh Shiesty, born Lontrell Williams Jr, led the ambush under the guise of a meeting, holding Mane captive inside a recording studio and forcing him to sign papers releasing him from his contract. Mane, an Atlanta-based artist known for collaborations with stars like Usher and Drake, founded his label, 1017 Records, in 2007, with Williams Jr signing on as an artist in 2020.The defendants, who are yet to enter their pleas, could face life in prison if convicted. Eight of the nine defendants were arrested on Wednesday in Dallas, Memphis, and Nashville, and charged in federal court with kidnapping and armed robbery. One suspect remains at large, and investigators are working with authorities in Georgia to locate him, according to U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould.The incident took place on January 10, while Williams Jr was reportedly under house arrest for a previous firearms conspiracy conviction. He is alleged to have been joined by eight co-defendants, including his father, who are accused of participating in the crime. A sworn statement from the FBI says Williams Jr pointed a "black AK-style pistol" at Mane, forcing him to sign documents, and additionally stole Mane's wedding ring, watch, earrings, and cash. The other suspects allegedly brandished firearms as well, demanding property from more victims present at the scene.One victim was choked and injured, losing valuable items including a Rolex watch and wallet. Following the robbery, some defendants reportedly posted on social media displaying stolen jewelry. Prosecutors claimed that the victims feared for their lives during the incident and believed they were going to be executed before being ordered to leave the premises. Representatives for both Williams Jr and Mane did not provide immediate comments on the unfolding case.
