Steven R. Hale, a 37-year-old Memphis man, was sentenced to 57 months in prison after stealing pre-release DVDs and Blu-rays, copying the movies and selling the copies online, BleepingComputer reported on September 12, 2025. The report says he pleaded guilty to criminal copyright infringement and unlawful firearm possession.
How the reported scheme worked
BleepingComputer reported that Hale worked for a company involved in DVD and Blu-ray manufacturing and distribution. Between February 2021 and March 2022, he stole discs being prepared for commercial release in the United States, ripped copies and sold them through e-commerce sites.
The titles named in the report include Godzilla v. Kong, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Dune, F9: The Fast Saga, Venom: Let There Be Carnage and Black Widow.
A separate allegation involving Spider-Man
The report separately says Hale ripped a pre-release Blu-ray of Spider-Man: No Way Home and shared a digital copy online more than a month before the Blu-ray’s scheduled release.
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Sentence, pleas and seized discs
Hale pleaded guilty in May 2025 to criminal copyright infringement and agreed to compensate victims, according to BleepingComputer. The report also says he pleaded guilty to unlawful firearm possession after a firearm was found with one round in the chamber and 13 in its magazine.
Investigators seized approximately 1,160 DVDs and Blu-rays from Hale, which the report says he returned to his employer. It does not state a restitution amount or provide other judgment terms.
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What the reported loss figure means
BleepingComputer quoted FBI Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico as saying: “The copyright owner lost tens of millions of dollars as a result of Steven Hale stealing DVDs and Blu-rays of blockbuster movies and selling them before their official scheduled release dates,” The report gives no more precise figure. This is Carrico’s attributed estimate, not an exact audited amount or a court finding established by the available account.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is established about the case
The case details here are based on BleepingComputer’s September 12, 2025 report. An independently verified primary court record was not established for this account, so details such as the court, docket number, statutory counts and subsequent restitution or appeal developments are not specified.
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