In a dramatic turn of events, federal prosecutors have charged rapper Pooh Shiesty and eight others with the armed robbery and kidnapping of three individuals earlier this year in Texas. The incident is said to have stemmed from a contractual disagreement involving rapper Gucci Mane’s record label.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Dallas has withheld the identities of the victims, referring to them only by their initials in the indictment. One of the victims, identified as R.D., is reportedly the owner of 1017 Records, the label associated with rapper Gucci Mane, legally known as Radric Delantic Davis.

Attempts to reach out to Gucci Mane’s representatives for a statement have so far been unsuccessful.

The alleged incident took place on January 10, when the victims traveled to Dallas under the impression they were attending a business meeting, according to the indictment filed in the Northern District of Texas. It is claimed that Pooh Shiesty, whose real name is Lontrell Williams Jr., orchestrated the meeting to discuss his contract terms with 1017 Records.

Upon entering the studio, Williams allegedly brandished an AK-style firearm, forcing one of the victims to sign a release from their recording contract. The other accused individuals reportedly displayed their own weapons, proceeding to rob the victims of watches, jewelry, cash, and other valuables. Prosecutors reveal that one victim was nearly choked into unconsciousness during the ordeal.

In addition, one of the defendants purportedly blocked the studio door with his body to prevent the victims from escaping.

Williams did not immediately return an emailed request for comment. He was on home confinement for a prior firearms conspiracy conviction out of Florida at the time of the alleged confrontation in Texas.

Bradford Cohen, an attorney for Williams during that firearms case, did not immediately reply to an email and phone call for comment from The Associated Press.

In Tennessee, the FBI in Memphis said Wednesday that it went to a home in the suburb of Cordova to serve court-ordered warrants. Property records show it is owned by Williams.

Gucci Mane is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of trap music alongside fellow Atlanta rappers T.I. and Jeezy. He emerged in the mid-2000s with his breakout single “Icy” and went on to build a vast catalog through a steady stream of mixtapes and albums. He has also helped launch or develop artists, including Young Thug, and earned a Grammy nomination for his appearance on Lizzo’s song “Exactly How I Feel.”

Gucci Mane has remained active with new music and business ventures, including his 2025 album “Episodes” and his 2017 memoir, “The Autobiography of Gucci Mane,” which reflects on his evolution as a music artist and personal struggles, such as being diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. In recent years, he has also publicly emphasized sobriety and stability.

Associated Press reporters Adrian Sainz in Memphis and Jonathan Landrum Jr. in Los Angeles contributed to this report.