7 arrested in 'targeted' catalytic converter theft ring

CRANSTON. R.I. (WJAR) — A federal investigation resulted in the arrest of seven members of an organized theft ring who allegedly stole nearly 500 catalytic converters during the span of a year, according to authorities.

Each suspect was charged with conspiracy to transport stolen property in interstate commerce, interstate transportation of stolen property, conspiracy to commit bank theft, bank theft and money laundering conspiracy.

We allege that these seven men are responsible for over 470 vehicles being targeted," said Rachael Rollins, a U.S. Attorney for the state of Massachusetts.

The investigation has been dubbed "Operation Cut and Run."

Rollins said the defendants ripped catalytic converters out of hundreds of vehicles in under 60 seconds.

Like a NASCAR pit crew, these videos depict the skill and speed with which these individuals could jack up a vehicle and cut the catalytic converter out," she said.

Catalytic converters are a component of a vehicle's exhaust system that reduces pollutants. They're made using rare metals like palladium, platinum and rhodium. Prosecutors said the value of these metals have skyrocketed in recent years, with black-market prices exceeding $1,000 each.

It's alleged that in some weeks, these seven individuals received between $40 and $80,000 from the crimes," said Rollins.

Repairs to the damaged vehicles likely cost a total of around $2 million for vehicle owners.

Catalytic converters are easy to steal. They're valuable and they lack identifiable markings that can easily be traced by law enforcement," FBI Special-Agent-in-Charge Joe Bonavolonta said.

The following people have been charged:

• Rafael "Robin Hood" Davila, 35, of Feeding Hills, Massachusetts
• Jose "Goldy" Torres, 31, Springfield, Massachusetts
• Nicolas Davila, 25, Springfield, Massachusetts
• Jose "Charlito" Fonseca, 26, Springfield, Massachusetts
• Zachary Marshall, 26, of Holyoke, Massachusetts
• Santo Feliberty, 34, of Springfield, Massachusetts
• Alexander "Dirty" Oyola, 37, of Springfield, Massachusetts

Investigators labelled Rafael Davila as the leader of the group. Officials said Davila's "meticulous notes" helped piece together the extent of their crimes.

The leader of this alleged organized crime ring was extremely organized, allowing our investigators to connect the dots," said Rollins.

Rollins said the stolen parts were sold to scrap dealers in Connecticut, New Jersey and Rhode Island.

Authorities executed search warrants in several locations in Agawam, Springfield, Palmer and Holyoke Wednesday afternoon.

According to a post on Massachusetts State Police Facebook page, six cars, seven firearms, jet skis, a boat and more than 20 catalytic converters were seized among other items.

Police believe the group sold these converters to scrap dealers in Connecticut and Rhode Island.

The seven defendants are being held as they wait for detention hearings.