Man convicted for selling $2.7M worth of stolen catalytic converters from Fresno-area

FRESNO, Calif. -- A Valley antheral has been convicted of selling stolen catalytic converters successful a multi-million dollar scheme.

Federal prosecutors accidental 72-year-old George Thomas was moving the theft ringing wherever thousands of car parts were stolen successful the Fresno country earlier being taken to Oregon to beryllium sold.

Authorities accidental Thomas made implicit $2.7 cardinal selling the stolen parts.

Evidence from the proceedings proved that betwixt January 2021 and November 2022, Thomas purchased parts from a radical of thieves to bargain the catalytic converters.

He provided instructions connected the types of converters helium was looking for and however to champion chopped the parts disconnected vehicles.

Thomas besides loaned immoderate of the thieves wealth for electrical saws and bail.

He has besides been convicted of structuring the wealth from the stolen parts successful an effort to fell his fiscal activities from the government.

Prosecutors accidental that aft his apprehension successful 2023, reports of converter theft successful the Fresno country decreased by much than 60%.

Thomas is acceptable to beryllium sentenced connected September 11th.

He faces a maximum of 10 years successful situation and a $250-thousand dollar fine.