PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. – Detectives have dismantled an organized theft ring that targeted multiple T-Mobile retail stores in Palm Beach County, leading to the arrests of three suspects and the recovery of stolen goods, authorities confirmed Wednesday.
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The investigation began after authorities said T-Mobile and UPS representatives alerted Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office detectives on Oct. 31, 2024, following a series of high-value thefts.
According to investigators, the theft ring focused on packages destined for T-Mobile stores, with losses traced back to July 2024. By Oct. 8, 2024, they said stolen goods were valued at more than $500,000, with some of the merchandise ending up in California.
Detectives said they linked 16 thefts to a UPS hub at 2001 Avenue P in Riviera Beach.
Their investigation uncovered a fencing operation run through GoalMind Studios, a recording studio and cellphone repair shop in Lantana, which deputies said was used to sell the stolen property.
PBSO deputies said four arrest warrants were issued and a search warrant was executed at GoalMind Studios.
Investigators said their “main target,” identified as Samuel Drummond, the owner of GoalMind Studios, was attempting to flee the country, but swift action led to the arrests of Giffton White, 36, Sheldon Brown, 38, and Christopher Palmer, 36.
Deputies confirmed the three suspects were taken into custody without incident and that Drummond has an active warrant for his arrest.
Investigators said all four men are facing first-degree felony charges that include one count of conspiracy to commit racketeering, one count of organized scheme to defraud $50,000 or more, one count of dealing in stolen property, and one count of unlawful use of a two-way communications device.
Deputies said White, Brown, and Drummond are also facing one count of grand theft greater than $100,000. They also confirmed Palmer faces one count of grand theft greater than $20,000 but less than $100,000.
Investigators said T-Mobile’s documented losses stood at more than $269,000 as of Tuesday.
All three men were scheduled to appear in court Wednesday morning for their first appearance.
“Florida is a law and order state, and we take organized retail theft seriously — if you commit this crime, know that our law enforcement partners will find you,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier in a news release Wednesday. “I want to thank our Office of Statewide Prosecution for putting this case together and ensuring these criminals will face justice.”
Anyone with information on the case is urged to call PBSO at 561-688-3000.
