Man Accused of Stealing Beyoncé Unreleased Music Pleads Guilty in Theft Case, Sentenced to Two Years in Prison

The individual accused of stealing hard drives containing unreleased Beyoncé material in July 2025 has entered a guilty plea, opting to bypass a jury trial. Kelvin Evans, aged 40, appeared before a judge in Fulton County Superior Court on Tuesday, where he admitted guilt on charges of criminal trespass and entering a vehicle with intent to commit theft, as reported by Fox 5 Atlanta. The court handed down a five-year sentence, with two years to be served in prison and the remaining three on probation. Additionally, Evans was ordered to steer clear of the victims and the site where the crime took place. This case highlights the growing security concerns around portable storage devices in the music industry, where a single leak can derail months of planning and marketing efforts.

During the plea proceedings, prosecutors presented surveillance footage that purportedly showed Evans driving through an Atlanta parking garage, stopping next to the targeted vehicle, and removing black suitcases. The video reportedly captured him carrying the bags into a building linked to his sister. Prosecutors stated that the suitcases were “never seen again” and noted that Evans referred to himself as the “king thief of Atlanta” in an interview. Evans’ niece later told police she received an iPhone and several chargers among the stolen items, which prosecutors confirmed were reported missing. Earlier, Evans had rejected a plea deal that would have resulted in a five-year prison sentence. The case underscores the vulnerability of artists who rely on portable storage for sensitive work, as noted by entertainment lawyer Rachel Kim: “This incident underscores the risks artists face when transporting unreleased material, which can be as valuable as the finished product in today’s competitive market.” The theft also raises questions about the security of production processes, where multiple collaborators often handle valuable data without robust safeguards.

The theft occurred in July 2025, when Beyoncé’s choreographer and a dancer reported that thieves stole jump drives from their rental vehicle. These devices contained unreleased music, plans for live show footage, and both previous and upcoming set lists. An arrest warrant for Evans was issued on July 14, and investigators apprehended him the following month. The stolen items, including the hard drives, have not been recovered, leaving Beyoncé’s team to manage potential leaks of the compromised content. This incident echoes past security breaches in the music industry, such as the 2014 leak of Beyoncé’s album “Beyoncé” before its official release, which cost the industry millions in lost revenue. Evans, a resident of Atlanta, had no prior convictions for similar crimes, according to court records. The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in protecting intellectual property in the digital age, where even seasoned artists like Beyoncé must grapple with the risks of physical theft alongside cyber threats.