Nine individuals, including well-known musical artists, were federally charged for allegedly kidnapping and robbing several victims at gunpoint in a Dallas music studio, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced on Apr. 2.
The case is significant because it involves multiple defendants, some of whom are recognized figures in the music industry. The charges stem from an incident where three music professionals traveled to Dallas for a scheduled business meeting that turned violent.
According to Raybould, “As alleged, nine defendants travelled to Dallas, Texas, to kidnap and rob victims who thought they were coming into town for a business meeting. Instead of discussing business in a civil matter, the defendants resorted to violence and intimidation to achieve their purported business objectives.” He added that violence as a business practice will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.
D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee said: “The Western District of Tennessee employs a whole team concept with federal, state, and local partners to aggressively pursue all violent criminals who dare to commit crime or seek safe haven within our jurisdiction… These defendants will be transported to the Northern District of Texas to face their crimes.” FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock also commented: “Strong partnerships with local law enforcement are key to reducing violent crime… The FBI remains dedicated to investigating violent offenders and holding them accountable.”
Court documents allege that Lontrell Williams Jr., known as Pooh Shiesty—who was on home confinement following a prior firearms conviction—arranged the meeting under false pretenses before he and eight co-conspirators executed an armed takeover inside the studio. One victim was forced at gunpoint by Williams Jr. to sign contract releases while others were robbed of valuables such as Rolex watches and jewelry; one victim was choked nearly unconscious during the incident.
Evidence cited includes electronic monitoring data placing Williams Jr. at the scene despite his home detention restrictions; cell phone records showing coordinated travel from Memphis; rental car documentation; surveillance footage; fingerprints recovered from the scene; social media posts displaying stolen property; and bus records tracking suspects’ movements after leaving Dallas.
If convicted on these federal charges, each defendant faces up to life imprisonment. The investigation involved multiple agencies across Texas and Tennessee. Prosecutors Claire Demers and Robert Withers are handling the case in court.
Authorities emphasized that all individuals charged remain presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
