Gainesville Man Charged for Stealing Cell Phones from UPS Packages

Kenny Donnell Roberts, 42, allegedly stole and pawned multiple phones while working for UPS.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Kenny Donnell Roberts, a 42-year-old Gainesville resident, has been arrested on a warrant for stealing eight cell phones from UPS packages and pawning at least six of them. Roberts, who has a criminal history including violent felonies, was employed by UPS when the thefts occurred in October 2025.

Why it matters

Package theft is an ongoing issue, especially for delivery services like UPS, and can lead to significant financial losses and inconvenience for customers. This case highlights the need for stronger security measures and employee oversight to prevent such crimes from occurring.

The details

According to the Gainesville Police Department, Roberts stole several packages containing a total of eight cell phones worth $1,455.50. He then pawned six of the stolen phones at EcoATM vending machines, using his own driver's license and thumbprint to verify ownership, despite not being the rightful owner.

  • On October 13, 2025, Roberts allegedly stole the UPS packages containing the cell phones.
  • On January 12, 2026, a judge issued a warrant for Roberts' arrest.

The players

Kenny Donnell Roberts

A 42-year-old Gainesville resident who was employed by UPS and has a criminal history including violent felonies.

Gainesville Police Department

The law enforcement agency that investigated the theft and issued the warrant for Roberts' arrest.

Judge James Colaw

The judge who set bail at $25,000 in the warrant he issued for Roberts' arrest.

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What’s next

Roberts is currently in custody, and the judge will decide whether to allow him to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of strong security measures and employee oversight in the delivery industry to prevent package theft and protect customers. It also underscores the need for effective rehabilitation and reintegration programs to address the root causes of repeat offenses.