Three men arrested for stealing catalytic converters throughout Suffolk County

Three people were arrested on Oct. 16 for stealing catalytic converters in Suffolk County following an eight-month investigation.

In February, 2024 the Suffolk County Police Department received reports of several men who were working as a team to steal catalytic converters at night, successfully removing the car parts in less than two minutes per vehicle.

Following an investigation by the Suffolk County Police Department, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Financial Crimes Bureau, the United States Marshals Taskforce, the New York Police Department’s 83rd Precinct, and the Nassau County Police Department, search warrants were executed at the homes of Jose Deleon in Brooklyn and Oliver Morocho in Elmhurst this morning.

Deleon, 37, was charged with three counts of Grand Larceny 4th Degree, three counts of Auto Stripping 3rd Degree, three counts of Criminal Mischief 3rd Degree, and two counts of Criminal Mischief 2nd Degree.

Morocho, 21, was charged with two counts of Criminal Mischief 2nd Degree, 11 counts of Criminal Mischief 3rd Degree, six counts of Grand Larceny 4th Degree, 13 counts of Auto Stripping 3rd Degree, and one count of Petit Larceny.

A third man, Albert Espinal, 23, of Corona, was arrested outside of Morocho’s house and charged with one count of Criminal Mischief 2nd Degree, 11 counts of Criminal Mischief 3rd Degree, five counts of Grand Larceny 4th Degree, 12 counts of Auto Stripping, 3rd Degree, and one count of Petit Larceny.

As a result of the investigation, investigators seized catalytic converters, auto stripping tools and equipment, money, and cell phones. Two vehicles were also impounded. It is under investigation how many catalytic converters were stolen.

Deleon, Morocho, and Espinal, are all being held overnight at the Third Precinct and will be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on October 17.