DOJ Seal

Department of Justice

U.S. Attorney's Office
Central District of California

For Immediate Release

Thursday, January 15, 2015
Stephanie Yonekura
, United States Attorney
Contact: Thom Mrozek, Public Affairs Officer

Former UPS Driver Who Stole Guns, Jewelry and Phones Being Shipped is Found Guilty of Federal Weapons Charges

RIVERSIDE, California – A former United Parcel Service driver was found guilty today of federal gun trafficking charges for stealing dozens of guns going through the shipping company’s Ontario hub and providing them to another man who sold the weapons on the street.

Curtis Ivory Hays II, 37, of Rancho Cucamonga, was convicted of firearms and other offenses following a six-day trial in United States District Court.

Hays, who was found guilty of 15 counts, faces a statutory maximum sentence of 115 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on March 30 by United States District Judge Virginia A. Phillips.

The associate who allegedly sold some of the firearms – Dennis Dell White Jr., 35, of Moreno Valley – previously pleaded guilty in the case and is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Phillips on May 4.

The evidence at trial showed that Hays stole a series of packages containing guns that were supposed to be delivered to Turner’s Outdoorsman in Rancho Cucamonga. From May through October of 2012, Hays stole six shipments containing a total of 72 firearms.

Hays gave the stolen firearms to White, who illegally sold the weapons to other individuals, and some of the guns then were sold to others. The firearms included 12-gauge shotguns and .45-caliber handguns.

Hays also stole shipments containing jewelry and mobile phones that were supposed to be delivered to Costco in Rancho Cucamonga, and this merchandise also was given to White.

Hays was found guilty of conspiracy, six counts of theft of firearms, six counts of receipt and possession of stolen firearms, and two counts of theft of interstate shipments.

White pleaded guilty to one count of theft of firearms.

The investigation into the stolen firearms was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in conjunction with the Ontario Police Department and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. Substantial assistance was provided by the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office.

CONTACT: Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlo A. DiCesare, Riverside Branch Office, (951) 276-6286

Assistant United States Attorney Joseph B. Widman, Chief, Riverside Branch Office, (951) 276-6945

Los Angeles Field Division