A major cellphone theft ring in South Florida is beginning to unravel as a fourth suspect, 38-year-old Samuel Drummond, has turned himself in. Drummond is the latest person to face charges in connection with the theft of more than $500,000 worth of T-Mobile phones and electronics. He surrendered at the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, adding another twist to a case that authorities have been investigating for months.
How the Theft Ring Operated
The investigation kicked off on October 31, 2024, when T-Mobile and UPS officials reported that large shipments of electronics had vanished. The missing items, which dated back to July 2024, were eventually traced to a UPS hub in Riviera Beach.
According to investigators, the suspects didnโt just grab a few phonesโthey ran a sophisticated operation, stealing entire shipments before they could reach T-Mobile stores.
The Stolen Goods Ended Up at a Recording Studio?
Authorities say the stolen devices werenโt just disappearingโthey were being funneled through a recording studio and cellphone repair shop in Lantana called GoalMind Studios. Police believe this storefront was a cover for reselling the stolen electronics, making it look like a legitimate business while moving high-value items under the radar.
The Other Suspects Already in Custody
Before Drummond turned himself in, police had already arrested three other men connected to the theft ring:
- Sheldon Brown, 38 โ A UPS driver caught on surveillance video handing off stolen packages.
- Giffton White, 36 โ A UPS supervisor who allegedly worked with Brown to steal shipments.
- Christopher Palmer, 36 โ Found in possession of one of the stolen iPhones.
Investigators used security footage, license plate tracking, and detailed surveillance to piece together the operation, leading to these arrests.
Whatโs Next?
With Drummond now in custody, authorities are digging deeper into the case to determine if more people were involved. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office has made it clearโthe investigation isnโt over yet.
For now, the arrests send a strong message: even the most carefully planned heists can fall apart.