DALLAS, Texas — Nine individuals, including well-known musical artists, have been federally charged in connection with a violent kidnapping and armed robbery at a Dallas music studio, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas.
Eight of the nine defendants were arrested in Dallas, Texas, and Memphis, Tennessee.
Those charged include:
- Lontrell Williams Jr., also known as “Pooh Shiesty”
- Lontrell Williams Sr.
- Rodney Wright Jr., also known as “Big30”
- Kedarius Waters
- Terrance Rodgers
- Damarian Gipson
- Demarcus Glover
- Kordae Johnson
- Darrion McDaniel
Federal authorities allege that on January 10, 2026, three music industry professionals traveled to Dallas for what they believed was a legitimate business meeting arranged by Williams Jr. to discuss a recording contract.
Instead, investigators say the meeting turned into a coordinated armed takeover.
According to the complaint, once inside the studio, Williams Jr. and eight co-conspirators, several of whom had traveled from Memphis, brandished firearms and robbed the victims of Rolex watches, jewelry, cash, and other high-value items.
Authorities allege Williams Jr. produced an AK-style pistol and forced one victim to sign a release from a recording contract at gunpoint. Another victim was choked to the point of near unconsciousness, while Wright allegedly blocked the studio door to prevent escape.
Court records show Williams Jr. was on home confinement at the time for a prior federal firearms conviction and was prohibited from possessing firearms or committing new offenses. Investigators allege his father, Williams Sr., helped plan and carry out the crime.
Evidence cited in the complaint includes electronic monitoring data placing Williams Jr. at the scene, cell phone and license plate reader data tracking travel from Memphis to Dallas, rental car records, surveillance footage, fingerprints recovered from the scene, and social media posts showing defendants displaying what appeared to be stolen jewelry.
Investigators also cited bus records showing several defendants traveled from Dallas to Memphis the day after the incident.
“As alleged, nine defendants traveled to Dallas to kidnap and rob victims under the guise of a business meeting,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “This case highlights the coordinated efforts of law enforcement partners across multiple jurisdictions.”
If convicted, each defendant faces up to life in federal prison.
The case is being investigated by the FBI Dallas Violent Crimes Task Force, with assistance from multiple federal, state, and local agencies. Prosecutors with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas are handling the case.
