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 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, US Attorney Ryan Raybould said at a news conference Thursday.
The incident took place on January 10, according to a federal complaint, at a time when Williams Jr. was allegedly under house arrest for a previous firearms conviction.
He was reportedly joined by eight co-defendants, including his father, Lontrell Williams Sr., all accused of participating in the crime.
A sworn statement from the FBI states that Williams Jr. pointed a black AK-style pistol at Mane and compelled him to sign the papers. He allegedly also stole Mane's wedding ring, watch, earrings, and cash.
The other suspects reportedly brandished weapons as well, demanding property from additional victims in the studio, identified only by initials.
One victim was choked and injured while having his Rolex watch, Louis Vuitton bag, AirPods, and wallet stolen, according to the complaint.
Within hours of leaving the Dallas studio, several defendants were on social media displaying items that appeared to be the jewellery that had been robbed from the victims, Raybould noted.
Prosecutors claim the rapper and other victims believed they were going to be executed before the defendants ordered them to exit and go to their vehicles.
Representatives for Williams Jr. and Mane did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
