Anthony Yates
A former employee at a multinational DVD company faces years behind bars for reportedly selling blockbuster movies before their release.
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What happened: According to the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO), 38-year-old Steven R. Hale of Memphis worked at a DVD and Blu-Ray distribution company used by major movie studios. His alleged crimes occurred between February 2021 and March 2022, but a judge sentenced him on September 11, 2025.
- Authorities explain that Hale stole multiple high-profile movies. They note, “A digital copy of at least one of the stolen Blu-rays was illegally distributed tens of millions of times over the internet. Causing the copyright owner tens of millions of dollars in losses.”
- Between 2021 and 2022, Hale reportedly stole “hundreds of pre-release” DVDs and Blu-rays. USAO reveals Hale ripped a Blu-ray of “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” bypassing the protective encryption. It was subsequently downloaded “tens of millions” of times, costing millions in potential lost revenue.
- A judge sentenced Hale to 57 months in prison for the movie theft and a gun-related charge.
What other movies were stolen?: The press release mentions several other high-profile films, including:
- F9: The Fast Saga
- Venom: Let There Be Carnage
- Godzilla v. Kong
- Black Widow
USAO accuses Hale of selling them through “e-commerce websites.”
The DVD Company Employee Faces Multiple Charges
Previous convictions: Hale reportedly has earlier convictions for armed robbery and attempted robbery. “In addition, Hale unlawfully possessed a pistol that was loaded with one live round in the chamber and 13 rounds in the magazine,” the statement reads.
- Hale pleaded guilty to criminal copyright infringement in May 2025. He agreed to return approximately 1,160 stolen DVDs and Blu-rays. The USAO reveals that Hale also pleaded guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm on the same day.
- Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti said, “The defendant profited from the creativity and intellectual property of others by stealing DVDs and Blu-rays of movies that were being prepared for commercial distribution.” He added, “Today’s sentencing signals our commitment to protecting American innovation from pirates that would exploit others’ work for a quick profit, which, in this case, cost one copyright owner tens of millions of dollars.”
The incident remains under investigation by the FBI.
