Catalytic converter theft leader who lived in Fresno sentenced to 10 years in prison

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) — The Department of Justice announced the sentencing of a local catalytic converter theft ring-leader.

The DOJ says 72-year-old George Thomas, of Fresno and Clovis, will spend 10 years in prison for his organized crimes. 

Between January 2021 and November 2022, George Thomas purchased stolen catalytic converters from a group of thieves in the Fresno area and sold them in Oregon.

“To people who want to participate in these schemes and in these types of crimes… we’re coming for you,” Assistant Special Agent for the FBI John Dozier said.

“After being convicted by a jury for interstate transportation of stolen property. In this case, it was catalytic converter theft and structuring. In other words, he was hiding the money that were the proceeds of the illegal activities back in about 2021,” First Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Sanchez said.

A jury convicted Thomas in March for organizing the theft of over 9,600 catalytic converters worth around $2.7 million.

“Because of the impact that that had on the community, the businesses that were affected that was over $20 million in damages. And the people lost money as a result of those thefts,” Sanchez said.

According to the US Attorney’s office, Thomas told thieves which converters he wanted and how to cut them off cars. Thomas also helped the thieves pay for motel rooms, tools, and bail.

“Imagine the anguish, the emotional distress, the impact that it has on the daily lives of everyone. These types of schemes,” Dozier said.

Thomas tried covering up his crimes after authorities searched his home in mid-2021. He sold the parts to an Oregon recycling company for $2.7 million and withdrew the money from a bank through 386 cash withdrawals that were each under the $10,000 reporting threshold.

“Followed with the arrest and conviction of Mr. Thomas, you saw a decrease of 60% immediately in catalytic converter thefts. Why is that important? Because that lets the community know we went after the right person with the right resources and the right team and we got the right outcome,” Dozier said.

Clovis Police detectives credit the public for being vigilant and reporting suspicious activity that helped start this investigation.