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 famous for collaborations with Usher, Doja Cat, and Drake, founded his label, 1017 Records, in 2007, and Williams Jr signed 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 the state of Georgia to locate him, US Attorney Ryan Raybould told a news conference on Thursday.
The incident occurred on January 10, when Williams Jr was allegedly supposed to be under house arrest for a previous firearms conspiracy conviction. He reportedly was joined by eight co-defendants, including his father, Lontrell Williams Sr, all accused of participating in the crime.
According to a sworn statement from the FBI, Williams Jr pointed a black AK-style pistol at Mane and forced him to sign the papers. He also allegedly stole Mane's wedding ring, watch, earrings, and cash. Additional victims in the room were also targeted, with reported instances of robbery and assault.
Prosecutors noted that within hours of the incident, some defendants showcased stolen jewelry on social media. The victims perceived the situation as life-threatening before being ordered to exit the studio.
Representatives for both Williams Jr and Mane have yet to provide comments on the escalating legal matters.
Mane, an Atlanta-based artist famous for collaborations with Usher, Doja Cat, and Drake, founded his label, 1017 Records, in 2007, and Williams Jr signed 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 the state of Georgia to locate him, US Attorney Ryan Raybould told a news conference on Thursday.
The incident occurred on January 10, when Williams Jr was allegedly supposed to be under house arrest for a previous firearms conspiracy conviction. He reportedly was joined by eight co-defendants, including his father, Lontrell Williams Sr, all accused of participating in the crime.
According to a sworn statement from the FBI, Williams Jr pointed a black AK-style pistol at Mane and forced him to sign the papers. He also allegedly stole Mane's wedding ring, watch, earrings, and cash. Additional victims in the room were also targeted, with reported instances of robbery and assault.
Prosecutors noted that within hours of the incident, some defendants showcased stolen jewelry on social media. The victims perceived the situation as life-threatening before being ordered to exit the studio.
Representatives for both Williams Jr and Mane have yet to provide comments on the escalating legal matters.
