Federal authorities have unsealed charges against four individuals in connection with the theft of over 2 million dimes, worth a total of $234,500, from a truckload of coins that had been picked up from the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia earlier this year. The defendants, identified as Rakiem Savage, Ronald Byrd, Haneef Palmer, and Malik Palmer, all residents of Philadelphia, now face multiple charges including conspiracy, robbery, theft of government money, and more.

The incident took place on April 13, when the truck driver, en route from Philadelphia to Miami, pulled into a parking lot in Northeast Philadelphia to rest. However, during the night, thieves executed their plan, breaking into the trailer and making off with a significant amount of the dimes. The stolen shipment, which weighed about six tons, comprised approximately $750,000 in coins.

Authorities have revealed that the theft of the dimes was just one in a series of robberies targeting tractor-trailers passing through the region. In addition to the coins, the perpetrators also made off with frozen crab legs, shrimp, meat, beer, and liquor. Surveillance footage captured six individuals dressed in gray hoodies, armed with bolt cutters, approaching the truck and swiftly transferring the stolen dimes into smaller bags and a waiting truck.

According to the indictment, investigators believe that after the theft, a large quantity of dimes was converted into cash using coin machines in Maryland or deposited into at least four different suburban Philadelphia banks. The investigation is ongoing to determine the full extent of the stolen funds and identify any additional persons involved.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that the four defendants, Savage, Byrd, Haneef Palmer, and Malik Palmer, range in age from 25 to 32 years old. While attorneys for Savage and Malik Palmer were contacted for comment on the charges, no comments have been received thus far. Information regarding legal representation for Byrd and Haneef Palmer remains unclear at this time.

Law enforcement agencies are actively cooperating in the ongoing investigation, and authorities hope that these charges will lead to further arrests and the recovery of the stolen funds. The theft of such a significant amount of dimes from the U.S. Mint has raised concerns about the security protocols involved in the transportation of valuable goods.

As the case progresses, federal authorities will continue working to ensure that those involved in this daring heist are held accountable for their actions, and that measures are put in place to prevent similar incidents in the future.