A CT man was part of stolen catalytic converter ring. He was paid $400K+ in less than 2 years.

A Connecticut man has pleaded guilty to his part in stolen catalytic converter trafficking ring, according to federal authorities.

Yanquee Rodriguez, also known as “Yankster Rodriguez,” 28, of West Hartford, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to offenses related to his participation in a stolen catalytic converter trafficking ring, according to federal authorities.

Authorities, citing court documents and statements made in court, said law enforcement had been investigating theft of catalytic converters from vehicles across Connecticut, as the devices contain “precious metals, can easily be removed from its vehicle,” and are difficult to trace, making them a “desirable target for thieves.”

For example, authorities, noted, the average scrap price for catalytic converters varies from $300 to $1,500, “depending on the model and type of precious metal component.”

Authorities the investigation allegedly found that Downpipe Depot & Recycling LLC, which had a warehouse in East Hartford, “purchased stolen catalytic converters from a network of thieves, including Rodriguez, and then transported and sold the catalytic converters to recycling businesses in New York and New Jersey.”

Further, business records seized during the investigation showed Rodriguez was allegedly “one of Downpipe Depot’s largest suppliers of stolen catalytic converters,” authorities said. “Between January 2021 and June 2022, Downpipe Depot paid Rodriguez $411,845 for catalytic converters.”

Rodriguez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property and one count of interstate transportation of stolen property, authorities said. Nagala scheduled sentencing for November 18.

Rodriguez, who was arrested in November 2023, is free on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing.

The investigation was by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and the East Hartford Police Department.