Suffolk Man Pleads Guilty In Theft Of Catalytic Converters: DA

RIVERSIDE, NY — A Medford man has pleaded guilty to a charge of second-degree auto stripping for stealing catalytic converters from a work truck in Rocky Point last year, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney's office said Thursday.

Daniel Labbe, 43, was already serving a prison sentence for a previous catalytic converter theft at the time of his plea, according to prosecutors.

Labbe removed two catalytic converters from a work truck parked at MJM Plumbing & Mechanical, Inc. on Route 25A in Rocky Point just before 9 a.m. on Oct. 22, prosecutors said.

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

The parts can be stolen from underneath a vehicle in only a few minutes using a reciprocating saw.

Tierney noted Labbe has been caught "not once, but twice, for stealing catalytic converters from vehicles, causing a disruption to a local business" in the county.

“Catalytic converter thefts are a nationwide issue, and we are committed here in Suffolk County to working with law enforcement to crack down on these crimes and prosecuting those responsible to the fullest extent of the law," he said. "To those that would seek to steal catalytic converters in Suffolk County, our message is clear – we are watching, and you will be held to account for your actions.”

Patch has reached out to his attorney, Keith O’Halloran of Westhampton Beach.

Labbe is serving two to four years in prison for a previous catalytic converter theft in which he was sentenced on January 13.

Labbe is due back in court on May 17 and is expected to be sentenced to two to four years in prison.