Suspect In Manchester Car Dealership Converter Thefts Charged

MANCHESTER, CT — Manchester police have charged a suspect in connection with catalytic converter thefts at a local automotive dealership.

The case dates back to January, police said.

On Jan 13, Manchester police officers responded to Lynch Toyota at 179 Tolland Turnpike after receiving a report about multiple catalytic converter thefts that occurred overnight. In all, 15 vehicles were damaged and had missing converters. Damage was estimated at $36,000, according to an incident report.

More thefts were reported at Lynch on Jan. 27, police said. Nine additional vehicles had been damaged and were missing catalytic converters, according to a report. Damage totaled approximately $21,000, according to a report.

Officer Jonathan Sargolini, assigned to the Greater Hartford Regional Auto Theft Task Force, was able to pinpoint a suspect and vehicle involved in both theft cases, a report indicates. A vehicle involved in the Lynch thefts matched that involved in catalytic converter thefts in East Hartford, Farmington, Southington, Bristol and Vernon from December 2021 through January 2022, police said.

One of those observed on surveillance footage during both thefts from Lynch was identified as 22-year-old Joanberto Rivera of New Britain, according to a report.

After a lengthy investigation, a warrant was submitted and approved for Rivera's arrest and he surrendered Monday afternoon at the Manchester Police Department, according to a report.

The warrant charged Rivera in Manchester with:

• First-degree larceny (two counts)
• Conspiracy to commit first-degree larceny (two counts)
• Conspiracy to commit first-degree criminal mischief (two counts)
• Conspiracy to commit tampering with a motor vehicle (two counts)
• Possession of burglary tools

Rivera made $75,000 bail and was released from custody after his arraignment. Police said Rivera currently has six other pending cases and is free on combined bonds exceeding $750,000.