Rapper Gucci Mane kidnapped and robbed by fellow artist, prosecutors say

 

Rapper Gucci Mane (Image: getty images)

Officials claim that Gucci Mane, a rapper, was allegedly kidnapped in Dallas earlier this year at gunpoint, leading to the arrests of eight men, including a fellow artist signed to his label. Prosecutors allege rapper Pooh Shiesty, born Lontrell Williams Jr, led the ambush under the guise of a meeting, holding Mane captive inside a recording studio and forcing him to sign papers releasing him from his contract.

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 Mane is an artist from Atlanta who has worked with stars like Usher, Doja Cat, Drake, and others. In 2007, he established 1017 Records, and Williams Jr. was signed as an artist in 2020. The defendants, who are yet to enter their pleas, could face life in prison if convicted.

 On Wednesday, eight of the nine defendants were apprehended in Dallas, Memphis, and Nashville, and they have been charged with kidnapping and armed robbery in federal court. One suspect remains at large, and investigators are working with authorities in the state of Georgia to locate him, US Attorney Ryan Raybould told a news conference on Thursday.

 According to a federal complaint, Williams Jr. was supposed to be under house arrest for a previous conviction for firearms conspiracy when the incident occurred on January 10. He was allegedly joined by eight co-defendants, including his father, Lontrell Williams Sr, all of whom are accused of participating in the crime.

A sworn statement from the FBI says Williams Jr pointed a "black AK-style pistol" at Mane and forced him to sign the papers.  Mane's wedding ring, watch, earrings, and cash are also allegedly missing from him. According to the complaint, the other suspects demanded property from additional victims in the room with only initials. They allegedly also brandished pistols. One of the victims was choked and injured, and had his Rolex watch, Louis Vuitton bag, AirPods and wallet stolen from him, according to the complaint.

 According to Raybould, "a number of the defendants were on social media displaying some of the items that appeared to be the jewellery that had been robbed from the victims within hours of leaving the Dallas studio." Prosecutors say the rapper and the other victims believed "they were going to be executed" before the defendants ordered them to leave the building and go to their cars.

 Williams Jr. and Mane representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Source: BBC