Back in 2024, thieves stole over $500,000 worth of phones, tablets, and other devices from UPS shipments meant for T-Mobile stores. Authorities say the T-Mobile thieves targeted high-value phones and tablets from UPS shipments meant for the carrier’s stores. However, the authorities are close to putting this case to rest, thanks to the arrest of a fourth suspect.
According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO), Samuel Drummond, 38, turned himself in on Wednesday. He is facing charges related to larceny, fraud, and dealing in stolen property. Drummond was the owner of GoalMind Studios, a recording studio and cell phone repair shop in Lantana, Florida, which apparently doubled as a front for selling stolen electronics.
The thefts began in July 2024 when UPS shipments intended for T-Mobile stores in Palm Beach County, Florida, started disappearing. According to investigators, this was allegedly orchestrated by UPS supervisor Giffton White, who worked with delivery drivers Sheldon Brown and Christopher Palmer. They removed high-value packages from a Riviera Beach UPS hub and sent them to Drummond’s shop, where the items would be resold.
However, these disappearances didn’t go unnoticed. T-Mobile caught on when the carrier’s internal audit revealed unexplained losses at two locations in Lake Worth, Florida, amounting to over $504,000.
To track down the missing shipments, the carrier embedded GPS tracking devices in some packages. This led investigators to a UPS facility in Riviera Beach. The evidence also led them to California, where some stolen devices were discovered. T-Mobile and UPS then alerted the police, prompting an investigation by PBSO and the Florida Attorney General’s Office.
Arrests and charges
On February 25, 2025, police executed search and arrest warrants and took White, Brown, and Palmer into custody. At the time of his arrest, Palmer was actually using one of the stolen phones. They then conducted a search of Drummond’s GoalMind Studios. They found stolen Apple iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and other electronics, many of which were still in their original packaging.
Unfortunately, by that time, Drummond had fled the state. However, perhaps feeling the heat or burdened by his conscience, Drummond surrendered to authorities on Wednesday.
Right now, all four suspects are facing a multitude of charges. This includes conspiracy to commit racketeering, grand theft over $100,000, organized scheme to defraud over $50,000, dealing in stolen property, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device.
