In the world of shipping and logistics, few companies hold a reputation as universally recognized as FedEx. Yet, even in the most reliable circles, there can be a rogue agent who reimagines their role in entirely unsanctioned ways. Enter, Antwone Tate—a former FedEx employee who took “finders keepers” to an entirely new level, launching his own side hustle that spanned precious stones, glittering gold, and vintage baseball cards that collectors only dream of.
The saga began quietly inside the bustling Memphis Hub, a nerve center of FedEx’s extensive operations. On May 27, the company’s Loss Prevention team detected what could be described as ‘discreetly vanished’ packages—it seemed some parcels just evaporated into thin air. The investigators, however, weren’t dealing with folks stepping up for a re-enactment of Harry Potter-style invisibility. Rather, a paper trail (and a digital one) led them to a local pawn shop. Lurking amongst the second-hand treasures were an $8,500 diamond ring and nearly $14,000 worth of gold bars that looked oddly new next to the usual castoffs.
Who was the mystery contributor to this treasure trove? None other than Mr. Tate, whose habit of using his own driver’s license for pawn transactions added a delightful layer of irony to his purported subterfuge. He apparently didn’t consider this a potential issue—spoiler alert, it absolutely was.
But let’s pivot to the collector’s item drama unfurling in another storyline thrust into the spotlight. Simultaneous with the glitzy loot finding its temporary home in pawn purgatory, a third package with a different kind of value went astray. This time it wasn’t the shimmer of gold but the nostalgic glow of cardboard that vanished. Collector’s items were at stake—a 1915 Cracker Jack Chief Bender and a 1933 Goudey Sport Kings Ty Cobb, to be exact. With a value teetering at $6,800, these cards are the kind that make grown men giddy and wallets tremble.
Surprisingly, the cards surfaced not in a quaint collector shop but instead on eBay. Even more surprising was the name listed as the seller: ‘antta_57.’ It’s unclear whether it was hubris, confidence, or an actual lack of creativity that drove Tate to employ such an easily traceable pseudonym. Unsurprisingly, it was as if the authorities had a direct hyperlink to someone screaming ‘iamguilty_100.’ The trail pointed right back to Tate, tying a less-than-elegant bow on this audacious escapade.
At this point, the justice scales intervened, with Tate facing charges for the triple crown of thefts. In response to the unfolding drama, FedEx took swift action, cutting ties with Tate faster than his alleged bidding fingers could snatch another ill-fated package. Their official statement cast a sobering reminder on those inside and outside the company: removing merchandise that isn’t yours doesn’t qualify as an employee benefit.
This case serves as a stark reminder in the age of instant tracking and near-constant surveillance. As convenient as modern technology makes the acquisition of goods, it complicates schemes that depend on things going unnoticed. Tate’s alleged actions may have enriched his side hustle, but they came with the hefty price tag of job loss and legal repercussions.
So, what’s the takeaway for the package-waiting populace? If you find yourself one day staring at a blinking “out for delivery” notification and weeks later feel the pang of a missed delivery, the lesson is simple. Don’t panic—just consider a quick search on the vibrant digital marketplace. You might spot your missing goods dressed in a charmingly outrageous listing by someone with a suspiciously familiar screen name. But perhaps, just this once, resist the temptation to bid. Instead, let it serve as a somber reminder of the intricate dance between greed and the inevitability of getting caught, as displayed by the escapades of one Antwone Tate.
