Three people were arrested for stealing catalytic converters in Suffolk County following an eight-month investigation.
In February 2024 the Suffolk County Police Department 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.
Following an investigation by the Suffolk County Police Department, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Financial Crimes Bureau, the United States Marshals Task Force, the New York Police Department’s 83rd Precinct, and the Nassau County Police Department, search warrants were executed at the homes of Jose Deleon in Brooklyn and Oliver Morocho in Elmhurst on the morning of October 16.
Deleon, 37, of 248 Stockholm St., Apartment 2L, 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, 21, of 33-12 110th St., Apartment 2, was charged with two counts of second-degree criminal mischief, eleven 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 39-08 103rd St., Corona, was arrested outside of Morocho’s house and charged with one count of second-degree criminal mischief, eleven 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, and cell phones. Two vehicles were also impounded. It is under investigation how many catalytic converters were stolen.
Deleon, Morocho, and Espinal, were held overnight at the Third Precinct and scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on October 17.