3 Cuffed In Catalytic Converter Thefts Throughout Long Island, NYC: PD

Crime & Safety

It began with reports of a team of men stealing the parts at night, removing them in less than two minutes per vehicle, police say.

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — Three men were arrested in connection with swiping catalytic converters throughout Long Island and New York City following an eight-month investigation, police said.

Back in February, investigators received reports of several men who were working as a team to steal catalytic converters at night, successfully removing the car parts in less than two minutes per vehicle, according to police.

It is under investigation how many catalytic converters were stolen.

Police told Patch that the parts were stolen from locations throughout Brooklyn and Queens, as well as Nassau and Suffolk counties.

Following an investigation by the District Attorney's Financial Crimes Bureau, the United States Marshal's Taskforce, the New York Police Department's 83rd Precinct, and Nassau police, search warrants were executed at the homes of Jose Deleon in Brooklyn and Oliver Morocho in Elmhurst Wednesday morning, police said.

Deleon, 37, was charged with three counts of fourth-degree grand larceny, three counts of third-degree auto stripping, three counts of third-degree criminal mischief, and two counts of second-degree criminal mischief.

Morocho was charged with two counts of second-degree criminal mischief, 11 counts of third-degree criminal mischief, six counts of fourth-degree grand larceny, 13 counts of third-degree auto stripping, and one count of petit larceny.

A third man, Albert Espinal, 23, of Corona, was arrested outside of Morocho's house and charged with one count of second-degree criminal mischief, 11 counts of third-degree criminal mischief, five counts of fourth-degree grand larceny, 12 counts of third-degree auto stripping, and one count of petit larceny.

As a result of the investigation, investigators seized catalytic converters, auto stripping tools and equipment, money, cell phones, and two vehicles were impounded, police said.

Deleon, Morocho, and Espinal, are all being held overnight at the 3rd Precinct in Bay Shore and will be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on Thursday.