Four Arrested for Catalytic Converter Thefts

Detectives with MPD’s Property Crimes Unit identified four suspects believed to be responsible for at least six converter thefts that occurred over the last couple of weeks in Modesto and additional converter thefts reported in Patterson and Newman, California.

With the assistance of the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department, 36-year-old Jesus Garcia-Altamarin, 28-year-old Jose Perez, 23-year-old Jesus Quintero and 33-year-old Erasmo Contreras of Stockton were arrested and charged with felony thefts. Three of the suspects received a bail enhancement of $500,000.00.

During the investigation, detectives learned the suspects were selling the converters to employees at the El Primo Auto Dismantle on East MLK jr. Boulevard in Stockton, California. Due to this discovery, a search warrant was issued for the business location.

With the assistance of the Stockton Police Department, the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office, the Stockton Fire Department and the City of Stockton’s Code Enforcement, the business was found to be in violation of numerous building code violations. Additionally, the business has been put on notice due to their criminal activity.

We’d like to thank all of the involved agencies for their collaboration with this investigation and for the assistance in deterring businesses from purchasing stolen property.