WeHa Man Pleads 'Guilty' To Dealing Stolen Catalytic Converters: Feds

WEST HARTFORD/HARTFORD, CT — A West Hartford man pleaded guilty in federal court this week for his role in a stolen catalytic converter trafficking operation, officials said.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, U.S. Attorney for Connecticut, said Thursday that Yanquee Rodriguez — aka “Yankster Rodriguez” — 28, of West Hartford, pleaded guilty Wednesday in federal court in Hartford to offenses related to his participation in a stolen catalytic converter trafficking ring.

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.

The average scrap price for catalytic converters currently varies between $300 and $1,500, depending on the model and type of precious metal component.

The investigation revealed Downpipe Depot & Recycling LLC (“Downpipe Depot”), which had a warehouse on Park Avenue in East Hartford, purchased stolen catalytic converters from a network of thieves, including Rodriguez, Avery said.

Downpipe Depot then transported and sold the catalytic converters to recycling businesses in New York and New Jersey, she said.

Business records seized during the investigation revealed Rodriguez was one of Downpipe Depot’s largest suppliers of stolen catalytic converters, according to authorities.

Between January 2021 and June 2022, Downpipe Depot paid Rodriguez $411,845 for catalytic converters, Avery said.

Rodriguez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, and one count of interstate transportation of stolen property, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

His sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 18.

Rodriguez was charged on Nov. 15, 2023. He is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing.

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