9 Charged in 'Armed Takeover' at Dallas Music Studio

Rapper Gucci Mane's onetime protégé is accused of turning on his former label boss in a violent Dallas shakedown. Federal prosecutors say Gucci Mane, born Radric Davis, was robbed and briefly held against his will at a Dallas music studio in January by rapper Pooh Shiesty, Big30, and seven co-conspirators. According to a Justice Department complaint unsealed Thursday, Pooh Shiesty—whose legal name is Lontrell Williams Jr.—lured three music industry figures to the studio under the pretense of discussing his recording contract with one of them, then led an "armed takeover," WFAA reports.

Prosecutors say Williams pointed an AK-style rifle and forced a victim to sign a contract release as others pulled guns, choked one man until he nearly lost consciousness, and took Rolex watches, jewelry, cash, and other valuables. Big30, born Rodney Wright Jr., allegedly blocked the exit. Eight of the nine suspects have been arrested in Texas and Tennessee; one remains at large. Williams, who was on home detention after a federal gun conviction, is accused of plotting the crime with his father, Lontrell Williams Sr.