UPS Driver Steals and Sells More Than 70 Guns

A California UPS driver and his alleged accomplice have been arrested and charged with stealing large numbers of goods, including six dozen firearms. Doh!

We all know that shipping guns brings risks, and theft is always a possibility. But we generally have faith that those who do our shipping are honest folks, just trying to make an honest living. Sadly, that’s not always the case.

On July 23, charges were brought against former UPS driver Curtis Hays, who was arrested two days later, according to a local news article. He’s charged with stealing 72 firearms, as well as jewelry and cell phones. Prosecutors say Hays then passed the loot to Dennis Dell White, Jr. in Rancho Cucamonga, who sold it.

The U.S. attorney’s indictment contained 16 charges in all, including six counts of firearm theft; six counts of receipt and possession of stolen firearms; two counts of theft, receipt, and possession of goods in interstate commerce; and conspiracy.

The guns went missing in 2012 when they failed to arrive at the Turner’s Outdoorsman store where they were expected. Store management triggered the investigation which finally led to the charges and arrests.

Somewhere, there are very likely 72 people who have no idea that their prized firearms were stolen.

Russ Chastain

Editor & Contributing Writer Russ Chastain is a lifelong hunter and shooter who has spent his life learning about hunting, shooting, guns, ammunition, gunsmithing, reloading, and bullet casting. He started toting his own gun in the woods at age nine and he's pursued deer with rifles since 1982, so his hunting knowledge has been growing for more than three and a half decades. His desire and ability to share this knowledge with others has also grown, and Russ has been professionally writing and editing original hunting & shooting content since 1998. Russ Chastain has a passion for sharing accurate, honest, interesting hunting & shooting knowledge and stories with people of all skill levels.