Story perspectives

Man Sentenced to 57 Months for Massive Movie Theft

9/12/2025

30 4

Summary

Story summary

Steven Hale, 38, received a 57-month federal prison sentence for stealing over 1,000 DVDs and Blu-rays from his Memphis employer.
The theft spanned from February 2021 to March 2022 and included films like “Spider-Man: No Way Home” and “Dune.”
Hale illegally distributed a digital copy of “Spider-Man: No Way Home” prior to its release, resulting in millions of downloads.
He pleaded guilty to copyright infringement and agreed to return the stolen items.
Hale also faced charges for firearm possession as a convicted felon.

1 of 1

Story summary

Steven Hale, 38, received a 57-month federal prison sentence for stealing over 1,000 DVDs and Blu-rays from his Memphis employer.
The theft spanned from February 2021 to March 2022 and included films like “Spider-Man: No Way Home” and “Dune.”
Hale illegally distributed a digital copy of “Spider-Man: No Way Home” prior to its release, resulting in millions of downloads.
He pleaded guilty to copyright infringement and agreed to return the stolen items.
Hale also faced charges for firearm possession as a convicted felon.