The rapper Pooh Shiesty and his father have been arrested by the FBI as part of a federal case alleging an armed kidnapping and robbery at a recording studio in Dallas. The 26-year-old artist, whose real name is Lontrell D. Williams Jr., was taken into custody in Dallas, while his father, also named Lontrell Williams, was arrested in Memphis after agents raided the family home on Wednesday morning.
US Attorney Ryan Raybould said at a press conference that Williams Jr. and his father were two of nine individuals accused of kidnapping and robbing "at gunpoint numerous victims" at a music studio, including fellow rapper Gucci Mane. Eight of the nine have been arrested in Dallas, Memphis and Nashville, with the ninth yet to be taken into custody. According to the criminal complaint, Williams Jr. arranged a meeting on 10 January purportedly to discuss his recording contract, before producing an AK-style pistol and forcing one of the victims to sign a release from the contract at gunpoint. His co-conspirators allegedly stole Rolex watches, jewellery, cash and other high-value items.
The FBI executed a search and arrest warrant at the family property in Cordova, Tennessee, where records list the homeowner as Lontrell Williams. Williams Jr. is described by prosecutors as the "ringleader of the conspiracy". The Independent has contacted his representative and the FBI for comment.
This is not Williams Jr.'s first encounter with federal authorities. He previously spent three years in prison after pleading guilty to firearms and drug charges in April 2022, receiving a 63-month sentence. He was released in October 2025 on good behaviour. He had been arrested in June 2021 in connection with three firearm and drug conspiracies, including an incident in which he allegedly struck a victim with a firearm at a Miami strip club. After his release, he was moved to a residential reentry facility in Dallas, where he was expected to remain until 11 April.
Born and raised in Memphis, Williams Jr. rose to fame in 2020 after signing with Gucci Mane's label, 1017 Records. His breakthrough single "Back in Blood" reached number 13 on the Billboard chart. Following his release, he put out "FDO" — short for "first day out" — and has been promoting the track, posting on Instagram about buying a Mercedes-Benz in celebration of its success.
