Anyone missing a catalytic converter?
After Wednesday’s bust by the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office AGNET team – who uncovered 281 of them as well as a host of other illegal items – it may be in the custody of the authorities.
According to the sheriff’s office, catalytic converter theft has been on the rise in San Joaquin County which prompted the sheriff’s AGNET team – the Agriculture, Gangs, and Narcotics Enforcement Team – to begin investigating the often-costly crime.
Replacing a stolen catalytic converter can run vehicle owners between $1,500 to $2,000 depending on the model.
On Wednesday, at around 3:30 p.m., a vehicle stop in Stockton turned up a number of cut catalytic converters. It kicked off a full investigation involving the Special Services Division that resulted in search warrants being served in a number of locations across San Joaquin County.
The haul? A total of 281 catalytic converters as well as 150 hydrocodone pills and more than $700 in cash.
More than 338 catalytic converters have been reported stolen in San Joaquin County from January of 2020 through today – racking up a retail total of more than $500,000 in losses for residents of the county.
Deputies arrested 45-year-old Anthony Blair on 278 counts of being a junk dealer or recycler that failed to keep the written record as required by law as well as receiving stolen property, conspiracy, and drug charges.
Also arrested were Quorion Brown, 31, Michael S. Runnels, 32, Houston J. Brown, 29, and Corrina Verdugo, 39 – all facing charges for active warrants and child endangerment after deputies discovered children living in a house that they called “horrifically uninhabitable.”
The children were removed from the home and placed in the care of Child Protective Services. Code enforcement officers also responded to the house for health and safety issues.
Catalytic converters contain trace amounts of rare precious metals that are sought after for their value – even though the scrap price for them is often a fraction of the cost that victims of the crime are forced to pay to replace the essential emissions component.
To contact reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3544.
