Suffolk Man Swiped 6 Catalytic Converters From Trailer Sales Company: Prosecutors

RIVERSIDE, NY — A Shirley man has been indicted in connection with stealing six catalytic converters from recreational vehicles at W.E.S. Trailer Services in Wading River, Suffolk prosecutors said Thursday.

Between Dec. 11 and Dec. 13, 2021, Blaise Marckesano, 38, has been charged with one count of first-degree auto stripping, five counts of second-degree criminal mischief, and five counts of fourth-degree grand larceny.

Marckesano has been additionally charged with one count of third-degree criminal mischief and petit larceny.

He was arrested in connection with stealing about 50 catalytic converters last year, Suffolk police said at the time.

A grand jury failed to indict him and the charges were adjudicated on contemplation of dismissal, a spokeswoman for the DA's office said.

District Attorney Ray Tierney said, “When I was elected District Attorney, I promised to aggressively prosecute quality-of-life crimes, which have escalated here in Suffolk County. Thefts of catalytic converters are a nationwide issue, and with arrests such as this one, we are making good on our promise to aggressively prosecute these thefts and keep Suffolk County safe. If you steal property from your neighbor and damage their property in the process, you will be prosecuted.”

Marckesano, ordered on supervised release, is due back in court on Feb. 28.

The Legal Aid Society does not comment on criminal cases.