AceShowbiz - Pooh Shiesty has been taken into custody by federal authorities in connection with an alleged armed robbery and kidnapping incident that involved prominent figures in the hip-hop industry, including rapper Gucci Mane.

The U.S. Department of Justice revealed on April 2 that the Memphis rapper, whose real name is Lontrell Williams Jr., along with his father, Lontrell Williams Sr., and fellow rapper Big30 (Rodney Lamont Wright Jr.), are among eight individuals arrested on April 1. These arrests stem from a violent event that reportedly occurred on January 10 in Dallas, Texas.

According to details shared during a press conference led by Ryan Raybould, the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, three music industry professionals went to a Dallas recording studio for a meeting scheduled by Pooh Shiesty. The meeting was intended to discuss a recording contract, and Gucci Mane was identified by the DOJ as one of the attendees.

Once inside the studio, the situation escalated dramatically. The complaint alleges that Pooh Shiesty brandished an AK-style pistol and coerced one of the victims at gunpoint into signing a contract release. Raybould described the scene as an “armed takeover,” with the other conspirators displaying firearms and forcibly taking valuable possessions from the victims, including Rolex watches, jewelry, and cash.

One victim was reportedly choked to the point of near unconsciousness during the event, highlighting the severity of the criminal actions involved.

Further accusations in the complaint state that one of the co-conspirators blocked the studio’s exit to prevent the victims from leaving. Additionally, some of the stolen items were later shown off on social media, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas.

At the time of the January incident, Pooh Shiesty was under home confinement following his release from prison in October. He had served more than three years of a five-year sentence related to firearm conspiracy charges.

Pooh Shiesty is signed to Gucci Mane’s 1017 Records in partnership with Atlantic Records. Upon his release, his single “FDO” achieved significant success by topping Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Hot Rap Songs charts.

The FBI arrested eight of the nine suspects involved in the case on April 1. One suspect remains at large. On the same day, the FBI conducted a raid at Pooh Shiesty’s family residence in Cordova, Tennessee.

Besides Pooh Shiesty, his father, and Big30, the U.S. Attorney’s Office named additional defendants: Kedarius Waters, Terrance Rodgers, Damarian Gipson, Demarcus Glover, Kordae Johnson, and Darrion McDaniel. Each individual faces severe penalties, including the possibility of life imprisonment if convicted.

Representatives for Pooh Shiesty have declined to comment on the allegations. Billboard has also reached out to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Northern Texas for further statements but has not received a response.

This case marks a serious development in the ongoing legal challenges surrounding Pooh Shiesty and highlights the risks and conflicts that can arise in the high-stakes music business.

The investigation and legal proceedings will continue as authorities work to bring justice in connection with the violent January incident.