UPS Driver Accused of Stealing, Trafficking Guns For Illegal Street Sales

RIVERSIDE (CBSLA.com) — A Southland United Parcel Service (UPS) driver was arrested Friday for allegedly stealing dozens of guns going through an Ontario shipping hub and providing them to an associate who sold the weapons in underground transactions, authorities said.

Curtis Hays, 36, of Rancho Cucamonga, faces federal gun trafficking charges after he was arrested without incident by special agents with the ATF, according to U.S. Attorney's Office spokesperson Thom Mrozek.

The associate who allegedly sold some of the firearms was identified as Dennis Dell White Jr., 35, of Moreno Valley, Mrozek said. White is expected to be summoned to appear in federal court for an arraignment in the coming weeks, according to Mrozek.

The 16-count indictment (PDF) filed on July 23 alleges that Hays stole a series of packages containing guns that were supposed to be delivered to Turner's Outdoorsman in Rancho Cucamonga.

The indictment also accused Hays of stealing jewelry and mobile phones that were supposed to be delivered to other retailers, and this merchandise also was allegedly given to White.

According to the indictment, Hays allegedly provided the firearms to White, who prosecutors say illegally sold the weapons to other individuals. Some of the guns - included 12-gauge shotguns and .45-caliber handguns - were sold to other unidentified parties, Mrozek said.

There was no immediate comment on the arrest by UPS officials.

Hays and White are charged with conspiracy, six counts of theft of firearms, six counts of receipt and possession of stolen firearms, and two counts of theft, receipt, and possession of goods in interstate commerce.

Hays faces up to 20 years in prison, while White could face as many as 30 years in federal prison, Mrozek said.

White is additionally charged with being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, according to Mrozek.

Hays is expected to be arraigned this afternoon in U.S. District Court.