Cargo Thief Gets Just a Dime for $1.5 Million Crime Spree
Haneef “Lew” Palmer, 33, of Philadelphia, has been sentenced to 121 months in federal prison for leading a cargo theft crew that prosecutors say stole approximately $1.5 million in goods from parked tractor-trailers during a six-month spree in the Philadelphia area.
Tractor-trailers targeted in theft spree
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania said Palmer pleaded guilty in March to conspiracy, robbery and related federal offenses. He was also ordered to pay approximately $1.08 million in restitution.
The crew targeted tractor-trailers carrying a range of commercial goods. Stolen cargo included frozen crab legs, televisions, refrigerators and more than $230,000 worth of newly minted dimes.
Federal prosecution
Investigators linked Palmer to a group that broke into trailers and removed cargo from parked trucks. Prosecutors described Palmer as the leader of the operation, which caused significant losses to cargo owners and transportation companies.
The sentence was announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The case highlights the financial impact of organized cargo theft, particularly when thieves target high-value loads left unattended at truck parking locations or other staging areas.
