Federal indictments target nearly $600K in interstate cargo theft tied to Memphis

Three men have been indicted in connection with two cargo theft investigations totaling nearly $600,000 in losses. The stolen goods included computer networking hardware, televisions, and tires, affecting businesses in West Tennessee. The indictments were announced in Memphis on Monday. One case involves Arista computer networking switches and other commercial freight stolen during the summer of 2024, with Aubrey Brown, 53, and Kemptrell Daniels, 24, charged for allegedly possessing the stolen items.

The merchandise had a value exceeding $5,000 and was transported from Tennessee into California, Georgia, and Texas. Brown faces three federal charges, each carrying a maximum of 10 years in prison, while Daniels faces two. Pierre Smith, 32, has been indicted for possessing stolen televisions and tires from four CSX rail shipments between March and August 2024.

Each count involves goods valued over $1,000, and Smith faces four charges, with each carrying up to 10 years in prison. The FBI Memphis Cargo Theft Task Force, along with Memphis Police, CSX Police, FedEx Security, and other law enforcement partners, investigated both cases. FBI Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly emphasized that cargo theft is a serious crime that impacts businesses and communities.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant called for aggressive federal prosecution against such crimes, emphasizing that Memphis, as a major transportation hub, is crucial to American commerce. The indictments contain accusations, and prosecutors must prove the charges in court.