MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis Police charged an accused porch pirate with stealing more than $2,000 worth of shoes delivered for University of Memphis Tigers Head Basketball Coach Penny Hardaway.
Ronald James is charged with theft of property. He was released on his own recognizance on Oct. 21 and ordered into a mental health program, according to court records.
Memphis Police said they responded to a theft at a home in the 400 block of Goodwyn St. the night of Aug. 8, 2024.
According to the police affidavit, one of Coach Penny’s employees said several boxes of shoes were delivered between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. He said when he went outside to get the boxes, they were missing. The affidavit said the stolen shoes were worth about $2,100.
MPD said the employee had video showing a man with a shopping cart walking up the driveway about 7:20 p.m., load up the packages of shoes into the cart, and then walk away with it all.
MPD released the surveillance pictures on social media. According to the affidavit, an MPD Sergeant saw the photos and identified the suspect as James.