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CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFT RING BUSTED: THREE SENTENCED TO PRISON, ONE AWAITING SENTENCING
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Four individuals involved in a catalytic converter theft ring in Suffolk County have pleaded guilty or been sentenced. Oliver Morocho, Albert Espinal, Jose Deleon, and Geovanny Ortiz stole from 13 vehicles in 2024. Morocho, Espinal, and Deleon received 1 to 3-year prison sentences, while Ortiz is scheduled for a six-month jail term plus supervision. Their crimes, which involved dividing roles such as driving, cutting out converters, and acting as lookout, were captured on homeowners' surveillance cameras. Since their arrest, catalytic converter thefts in Suffolk County have decreased by over 90%. The thefts targeted vehicles with valuable metals like palladium, platinum, and rhodium. The investigation involved multiple law enforcement agencies, and the cases are prosecuted by the Suffolk County DA’s Office.
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