Pooh Shiesty arrested in federal robbery and kidnapping case

The arrests come after a newly unsealed 31-page federal criminal complaint that triggered coordinated law enforcement raids in Memphis and Frisco, Texas.

(NBC) — Federal authorities have arrested rising rapper Pooh Shiesty, along with his father and seven others, in connection with an alleged armed robbery and kidnapping plot.

The arrests come after a newly unsealed 31-page federal criminal complaint that triggered coordinated law enforcement raids in Memphis and Frisco, Texas.

According to prosecutors, Pooh Shiesty — whose real name is Lontrell Williams Jr. — allegedly orchestrated a scheme in January to lure victims to a recording studio in Dallas under the pretense of a business meeting.

Officials say one of the victims was a well-known rapper identified only as “R.D.”

“As alleged, once these men were inside the recording studio, Williams Jr. and eight co-conspirators executed a coordinated armed takeover,” said Ryan Raybould.

Prosecutors allege Williams produced an AK-style pistol and forced one victim to sign a release from a recording contract at gunpoint. Other suspects reportedly displayed firearms while robbing victims of Rolex watches, jewelry, cash, and other valuables.

Authorities say several of the suspects traveled from Memphis to carry out the crime.

At the time of his arrest, Pooh Shiesty was already on house arrest and wearing an ankle monitor.

If convicted, he could face up to life in federal prison.