Authorities in Orange County, California, have arrested five men accused of involvement in a catalytic converter theft ring after investigators recovered about 2,400 suspected stolen converters, precious metals, weapons and cash.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department said search warrants were carried out at several locations on Thursday, September 3. The recovered converters were initially estimated to be worth about $1.3 million, while a subsequent assessment put their total value at approximately $4.3 million.
Jorge Alberto Delgadillo, 35, of Maywood, and Julio Moreno Reyes, 40, of Los Angeles, were booked on suspicion of grand theft and conspiracy, according to sheriff’s deputies.
Three other men had already been arrested during the investigation. Gilberto Valdovino, 27, and Brayan CruzDeLeon, 20, both from Los Angeles, were booked on June 19. CruzDeLeon was later released from custody, while Hugo SaenzMarin, 24, of Compton, was also detained in connection with the case.
Investigators said the search operation uncovered two unregistered firearms and about $105,000 in cash, alongside large shipping boxes containing precious metals.
The investigation involved the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the Los Angeles County Fire Department, California Department of Motor Vehicles investigators, state insurance investigators and Irvine code-enforcement officers.
The suspects have not been convicted, and the allegations against them have yet to be tested in court.
