The American rapper Pooh Shiesty and seven others have been arrested on charges of robbery and armed kidnapping of music industry figures, the US Justice Department has said.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) listed the initials R.D. as one of the alleged victims, feeding speculation that the rapper Gucci Mane, whose real name is Radric Davis, was among those allegedly kidnapped.
Media outlets have widely reported that he was one of the alleged victims.
The department said eight of nine suspects, including Pooh Shiesty’s father, have been arrested.
The DOJ has alleged that the event occurred in January when three music industry professionals travelled to Dallas, Texas, for a scheduled business meeting.
Gucci Mane
That meeting, it said, was arranged by Lontrell ‘Pooh Shiesty’ Williams to discuss the terms of his recording contract with one of the alleged victims.
Once the alleged victims were in the studio, the DOJ said, Pooh Shiesty allegedly produced an AK-style pistol and executed “a coordinated armed takeover”, forcing one of the victims to sign a release from the contract at gunpoint.
Others at the meeting were allegedly robbed of Rolex watches, jewellery, cash, and other items, it said.
Gucci Mane and Pooh Shiesty are both signed to Atlantic Records.
Pooh Shiesty is signed under Gucci Mane’s 1017 label, which was founded at Atlantic in 2007.
Representatives for both men did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Pooh Shiesty’s arrest comes months after he was released from prison after pleading guilty to firearms and drug charges.
Source: Reuters