Man Admits Stealing Catalytic Converters In Stratford: Feds

STRATFORD, CT — An Ansonia man has pleaded guilty to federal charges in connection with the theft of catalytic converters in Connecticut, including Stratford, according to officials.

Francisco Ayala, 22, pleaded guilty in federal court in Hartford for his participation in a stolen catalytic converter trafficking ring, U.S. Attorney for Connecticut Vanessa Roberts Avery announced.

According to court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement has been investigating the theft of catalytic converters from motor vehicles across Connecticut.

“A catalytic converter contains precious metals, can easily be removed from its vehicle, and is difficult to trace, making it a desirable target for thieves,” officials wrote in a news release. “The average scrap price for catalytic converters currently varies between $300 and $1,500, depending on the model and type of precious metal component.”

An investigation found that Ayala engaged in numerous catalytic converter thefts throughout Connecticut, and was caught on surveillance video stealing converters from two vans at a business in Stratford on March 9, 2022, according to officials.

“Between December 2021 and May 2022, Ayala and an associate sold approximately $150,000 worth of stolen catalytic converters to a co-conspirator who transported the converters to other businesses, including businesses in New York and New Jersey, for further resale and profit,” officials wrote.

Ayala pleaded guilty April 4 to one count of conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property, an offense that carries a maximum term of five years in prison, and one count of interstate transportation of stolen property, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 13.

Ayala is detained pending sentencing, according to officials.