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 is an Atlanta-based artist who has collaborated with Usher, Doja Cat, Drake, and other stars. He founded his label, 1017 Records, in 2007 and Williams Jr signed 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, US Attorney Ryan Raybould told a news conference on Thursday. The incident took place on January 10, according to a federal complaint, when Williams Jr was supposed to be under house arrest for a previous firearms conspiracy conviction. He was allegedly joined by eight co-defendants, including his father, Lontrell Williams Sr, all of whom are accused of participating in the crime. A sworn statement from the FBI says 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. The other suspects allegedly brandished pistols as well, demanding property from additional victims in the room. One of the victims was choked and injured and had his Rolex watch, Louis Vuitton bag, AirPods, and wallet stolen from him, according to the complaint. Within hours of leaving the Dallas studio, a number of the defendants were on social media displaying some of the items that appeared to be the jewellery that had been robbed from the victims, Raybould said. Prosecutors say that the rapper and the other victims believed they were going to be executed before the defendants ordered them to leave the building and go to their cars. Representatives for Williams Jr and Mane did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Gucci Mane Allegedly Kidnapped and Robbed by Fellow Artist
Gucci Mane Allegedly Kidnapped and Robbed by Fellow Artist
Rapper Gucci Mane was reportedly kidnapped at gunpoint in Dallas, with claims that fellow artist Pooh Shiesty orchestrated the ambush. Eight men have been arrested in connection with the case.
Rapper Gucci Mane was allegedly kidnapped at gunpoint in Dallas, leading to the arrest of eight suspects, including fellow artist Pooh Shiesty. Prosecutors allege that Mane was held at a recording studio and forced to sign documents to relinquish his contract. The defendants face serious charges that could lead to life sentences if convicted, as investigations continue into the crime.
