Chicago Thug Sentenced for 68-Ton Counterweight Heist

HAMMOND, Ind. – A brazen thief has been brought to justice after stealing over 68 tons of crane counterweights and equipment in a daring heist that spanned multiple states.

Damiane Harris, 49, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge James T. Moody to 41 months in prison for interstate transportation of stolen property. He was also ordered to pay $35,503.58 in restitution to the victims of the offense.

But Harris’ troubles didn’t end there. He was already on federal supervised release for a similar offense, and his new crime landed him an additional 21 months in prison for violating the terms of his release. The two sentences will run consecutively, resulting in a total sentence of 62 months in prison.

According to documents in the case, Harris broke into a truck sales business in South Bend, Indiana, and stole a semi-tractor. He then drove the semi-tractor to a crane rental business in Griffith, Indiana, where he used it to steal three semi-trailers loaded with over 68 tons of crane counterweights and other equipment.

Harris then hauled the counterweights to a scrapyard in Chicago Heights, Illinois, where he sold them for profit. The total intended loss was a staggering $310,059.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the South Bend Police Department, the Griffith Police Department, and the Chicago Heights Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Steven J. Lupa.

Harris’ sentence is a stark reminder that those who break the law will be held accountable, no matter how brazen or cunning their crimes may be.

With a total sentence of 62 months in prison, Harris will have plenty of time to reflect on the gravity of his actions. And as he sits behind bars, he’ll be forced to confront the devastating impact of his crimes on the victims and the community.