Orange County Sheriff's Department Busts $4.3 Million Catalytic Converter Theft Ring, Arrests Five
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department, in collaboration with several Southern California police agencies, has dismantled a suspected $4.3 million catalytic converter theft ring. The operation culminated on Thursday with the execution of search warrants across Orange and Los Angeles counties, leading to the arrest of five individuals. Authorities recovered approximately 2,400 catalytic converters, along with large shipping boxes containing precious metals, two unregistered firearms, and over $105,000 in cash. The arrests followed a three-month investigation by two units within the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, which focused on linking a series of catalytic converter thefts. Those arrested on suspicion of grand theft and conspiracy to commit a crime include Jorge Alberto Delgadillo, 35, of Maywood; Julio Moreno Reyes, 40, of L.A.; Gilberto Valdovino, 27, of L.A.; Brayan Cruz De Leon, 20, of L.A.; and Hugo Saenz Marin, 24, of Compton. Thieves target catalytic converters due to the valuable precious met... 
