Headline: Memphis Rappers Pooh Shiesty and Big30 Arrested in Federal Robbery & Kidnapping Investigation
The North Texas U.S. Attorney’s Office has announced the arrest of Memphis rapper Lontrell Williams Jr., better known as Pooh Shiesty, following an intensive FBI investigation into a violent robbery and kidnapping incident in Dallas. The investigation also led to the arrest of fellow Memphis artist Rodney Wright Jr. (Big30), Shiesty’s father Lontrell Williams Sr., and seven other co-conspirators.
A Bold Studio Attack
According to the Department of Justice, the group is accused of orchestrating a targeted attack at a Dallas music studio on January 10. Investigators allege Shiesty traveled to the city under the pretense of a contract meeting with music professionals. Once inside, the group reportedly held victims at gunpoint, including Atlanta rapper Radric Davis (Gucci Mane).
The DOJ claims that Shiesty used a firearm to force one victim to sign a music label release form. Other members of the group are accused of stealing cash, jewelry, and a Rolex. One victim was reportedly choked near unconsciousness, while Big30 is alleged to have barricaded the studio doors to prevent escape.
Coordinated FBI Raids
Federal agents carried out a high-profile raid at the Williams family home in Cordova, Tennessee, on Wednesday morning. Neighbors reported hearing flashbangs as FBI Memphis agents moved in to execute search and arrest warrants. Shiesty was reportedly taken into custody at a halfway house in Dallas.
Evidence against the group includes social media posts where suspects allegedly flaunted stolen items from the robbery.
Recent Legal History
This recent federal action comes just months after Pooh Shiesty was released early from federal prison in October 2025. He had served about three years of a 63-month sentence for a prior firearms conspiracy charge and was serving the rest of his time on home confinement and supervised release, which was scheduled to end on April 11, 2026.