Authorities have arrested nine individuals in connection with a federal investigation into an alleged kidnapping and robbery involving high-profile figures from the rap industry, including Memphis artists Pooh Shiesty and Big30, according to statements released by federal prosecutors and multiple news reports.
The case, which spans several states and involves multiple law enforcement agencies, centers on allegations tied to a January meeting in Dallas, Texas.
Prosecutors allege that the incident occurred when a group of music industry professionals met at a studio in Dallas to discuss contractual matters.
During the meeting, several individuals allegedly used firearms to control victims, force compliance, and carry out a coordinated robbery.
Among those named in the federal complaint are Lontrell Williams Jr., known professionally as Pooh Shiesty, and Rodney Wright Jr., known as Big30, along with several other co-defendants.
According to federal authorities, the suspects are accused of holding victims at gunpoint inside a studio setting. Investigators claim that during the confrontation, one victim was allegedly forced to sign a release related to a music contract while under threat.
Authorities also allege that valuables, including cash and high-end jewelry such as watches, were taken during the incident. One victim was reportedly restrained to the point of near unconsciousness, according to court filings cited in news reports.
The FBI, along with multiple task forces across Dallas, Memphis, and Nashville, coordinated arrests on Wednesday, with suspects taken into custody across several locations.
Officials stated that evidence in the case includes electronic monitoring data, phone records, surveillance footage, and travel documentation that allegedly place the accused individuals in or near the location of the incident.
Federal Investigation Spans Multiple States and Law Enforcement Agencies
Federal prosecutors have emphasized the scale of the investigation, noting that agencies including the FBI, Dallas Violent Crimes Task Force, FBI Memphis field offices, and multiple U.S. Attorney’s Offices collaborated in the arrests.
Officials also reported that evidence includes license plate reader data, hotel and travel records, and social media posts that allegedly show individuals in possession of items believed to be connected to the robbery.
Authorities further allege that some suspects coordinated travel from Memphis to Dallas ahead of the meeting and later returned to Tennessee following the incident.
Investigators also claim that surveillance footage from nearby businesses and lodging locations helped reconstruct movements before and after the alleged offense. In addition, forensic evidence such as latent prints was reportedly matched to certain individuals named in the case.
The defendants include nine individuals in total, with both Pooh Shiesty and Big30 among those charged, along with several others identified by federal authorities.
Officials also confirmed that arrests were made in Memphis, Nashville, and Dallas, with one arrest involving a raid at a residence in Cordova, Tennessee.
If convicted, the accused individuals could face significant federal penalties, including potential life imprisonment, depending on the charges and findings in court.
However, as of now, all individuals are considered accused and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The investigation remains ongoing as federal authorities continue to examine additional evidence and potential connections between the defendants and the alleged incident.
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