Reagan T. Fondren Acting United States Attorney for the Western District Of Tennessee | U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee
Nine individuals, including well-known musical artists, were federally charged for kidnapping and robbing victims at gunpoint at a music studio in Dallas, Texas, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced on Apr. 2.
The charges involve allegations that the defendants traveled to Dallas to kidnap and rob victims who believed they were attending a business meeting. The defendants include Lontrell Williams Jr., also known as "Pooh Shiesty," his father Lontrell Williams Sr., Rodney Wright Jr. ("Big30"), Kedarius Waters, Terrance Rodgers, Damarian Gipson, Demarcus Glover, Kordae Johnson, and Darrion McDaniel. Eight of the nine were arrested in Dallas and Memphis.
Raybould said: "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 those using violence as a business practice would be vigorously 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 said: "Strong partnerships with local law enforcement are key to reducing violent crime... The FBI remains dedicated to investigating violent offenders and holding them accountable."
According to the complaint described by prosecutors, three music industry professionals traveled on Jan. 10 for what was supposed to be a recording contract discussion arranged by Williams Jr., but instead faced an armed takeover inside the studio involving multiple assailants from Memphis. The suspects allegedly forced one victim at gunpoint—using an AK-style pistol—to sign away rights from his recording contract while others robbed valuables such as watches and jewelry; one victim was choked nearly unconscious.
Investigators say evidence includes electronic monitoring data placing Williams Jr. at the scene despite home confinement restrictions from an earlier conviction; cell phone records; license plate reader data; rental car records; surveillance footage; fingerprints matching two suspects; social media posts showing stolen property; and bus records tracking travel between cities after the incident.
If convicted on these federal charges each defendant faces up to life imprisonment. Prosecutors emphasized that all accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
