3 Suffolk Men Indicted In Catalytic Converter Thefts: Prosecutors

MEDFORD, NY —Three Medford men have been indicted in connection with allegations they stole catalytic converters from trucks and vans in Rocky Point, Holbrook, and Bellport, Suffolk prosecutors said.

Catalytic converters are a part of a vehicle’s exhaust device and they use precious metals, including palladium, platinum, and rhodium, in their center to reduce pollutants from a vehicle’s engine, prosecutors said, adding that the precious metals, can be more valuable than gold and make the car parts a target for thieves.

The parts can be stolen from underneath a vehicle in only a few minutes using a reciprocating saw, and typically have no unique identification features, which make them difficult to trace to a lawful owner, prosecutors said.

District Attorney Ray Tierney said catalytic converter thefts have caused "significant financial loss and tremendous inconvenience" to residents across Suffolk.

“These arrests are a significant step in my commitment to reduce the scourge of catalytic converter thefts by holding criminals responsible for their actions," Tierney said.

James O’Brien, 45, was arraigned on Jan. 5, on an indictment that included charges of first-degree robbery for robbing a Yaphank gas station on Nov. 2, while displaying what appeared to be a firearm, and second-degree burglary for allegedly burglarizing a Yaphank home on Dec. 15.

In both instances, his bail was set at $50,000 cash, $500,000 bond, or $500,000 partially-secured bond.

O’Brien was also indicted for stealing a catalytic converter from a work van in Bellport on Sept. 5, prosecutors said. The charges included one count of second-degree criminal mischief, fourth-degree grand larceny, third-degree auto stripping, and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

"The separate allegations that O’Brien brazenly committed crimes of robbery and burglary indicate a disturbing pattern of criminal behavior, which will not be tolerated.”

O'Brien is due to appear in court again on Feb. 15.

Patch has reached out to his attorney, Eric Besso of Sayville, for comment.

Daniel Labbe, 43, was indicted for stealing two catalytic converters from a work truck in Rocky Point on Oct. 22, according to prosecutors. The charges included third-degree grand larceny, second-degree auto stripping, and criminal mischief, as well as possession of a burglar's tools and fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property.

He was arraigned on the indictment on Nov. 10, 2022, and was remanded without bail.

Labbe previously pleaded guilty to second-degree auto stripping and petty larceny in a separate case and he is awaiting sentence.

He is due in court again on Jan. 13.

Patch has reached out to his attorney, Scott Zerner of Manhattan, for comment.

Jason Labbe, 45, was indicted for stealing a catalytic converter from a van outside a doctor’s office in Holbrook on Aug. 24, 2021, prosecutors said. The charges included third-degree criminal mischief, fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, petty larceny, and fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property.

He was arraigned on Dec. 8, 2022, after being returned on a warrant, and was released into a Supervised Release Program, requiring him to wear a Global-positioning system tracker while his case is pending.

Labbe has additional pending cases, including two in which involve the theft of catalytic converters.

His attorney, Danielle Papa of Hauppauge, said she has to visit with him and discuss potential defenses and that she is negotiating the disposition of the case with prosecutors.

He is due in court again on Jan. 17.

It was not immediately clear if the cases of O'Brien, and the two Labbes are related.