Man Admits Role in Catalytic Converter Theft Ring in Connecticut

An East Hartford man has pleaded guilty to participating in a stolen catalytic converter trafficking ring.

Bryant Bermudez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property and three counts of interstate transportation of stolen property, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on each count, according to the Vanessa Roberts Avery, U,.S. attorney for Connecticut,.

U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to offenses related to his participation in a stolen catalytic converter trafficking ring. Bermudez iwa released on a $150,000 bond pending sentencing. The judge scheduled sentencing for July 12.

In November 2021, Bermudez began working at Downpipe Depot & Recycling, which had a warehouse on Park Avenue in East Hartford. At Downpipe Depot, Bermudez and a co-conspirator purchased stolen catalytic converters from a network of thieves, with some of the transactions occurring late at night, and then transported and sold the catalytic converters to recycling businesses in New York and New Jersey.

On at least a bi-weekly basis, Bermudez or a co-conspirator transported van loads of catalytic converters to New York or New Jersey. Some of the trips yielded payments in excess of $200,000, prosecutors said.

According to court documents and prosecutors, law enforcement has been investigating the theft of catalytic converters from motor vehicles across Connecticut. Catalytic converters contains precious metals, making them a desirable target for thieves. The average scrap price for catalytic converters currently varies between $300 and $1,500, depending on the model and type of precious metal component.

The investigation is being led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives , the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, and the East Hartford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren C. Clark and A. Reed Durham.