Takedown Of Catalytic Converter Ring Earns Bucks Regional Recognition

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — The Bucks County prosecutors and detectives credited with dismantling a multi-million-dollar organized criminal enterprise that specialized in the theft of catalytic converters have been recognized with the 2024 Investigator of the Year Award.

The honor was awarded by the International Association of Special Investigations Units, Delaware Valley Chapter, during a banquet hosted by the International Association of Special Investigations Units (IASIU) and the Pennsylvania Auto Crime Investigators Association (PACIA) in Philadelphia.

The award singles out the "extraordinary work" of Deputy District Attorney Edward Furman Jr., Chief Deputy District Attorney Jovin Jose, Deputy District Attorney Megan A. Hunsicker, Detective Tim Johnson, and Detective Richard Munger.

Their nearly yearlong investigation culminated in June 2023 with the charging of a Philadelphia tow yard, along with 11 adult individuals and one juvenile.

“I am so proud of this team and what they accomplished,” District Attorney Jennifer Schorn said. “This case did not just dismantle a criminal enterprise but sent a clear message to those who knowingly deal in stolen goods that we will use every resource to identify then prosecute you.”

She continued, “We are grateful for all of the agencies that helped us to achieve these results, and I am thankful for the International Association of Special Investigations Units for recognizing this team and the excellent work they did.”

The Investigator of the Year Award.

Three dozen local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in Bucks County, Montgomery County, Delaware County, Philadelphia, and New Jersey took part in the collaborative investigation, leading to a Bucks County Investigating Grand Jury recommending charges of corrupt organizations, criminal conspiracy, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity, and related charges against most of the organization.

Prior to the investigation, the theft of catalytic converters had skyrocketed in Bucks County and surrounding counties because of the money the converters can fetch at scrap yards.

Following the takedown of the ring, reports of catalytic converters thefts dropped considerably, thanks largely to the work done by the investigative team.