- April 22, 2024
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Flagler County (along with the rest of the nation) has seen an increase in the theft of catalytic converters. A catalytic converter is an exhaust emission control device that reduces toxic gases and pollutants being emitted from vehicles. Thieves cut them from vehicles and sell them to scrap metal dealers because they contain precious metals, including rhodium, platinum, and palladium. Repairing vehicles form these thefts are over $1,500 each.
Due to these thefts, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit and the General Assignment Unit planned an undercover operation to target the buyers of the stolen catalytic converters. During a series of undercover operations, detectives met with catalytic converter buyers in order to sell them what they believed to be stolen catalytic converters. In order to ensure that these buyers were 100% certain that the converters were stolen, detectives conducted multiple sales with each buyer. During each purchase, detectives ensured the suspects believed the catalytic converter thefts were stolen.
Detectives were able to obtain probable cause for a total of four arrest warrants regarding dealing in stolen property. Each count carried a bond amount of $5,000.
“While it can be difficult to predict when and where the next catalytic converter theft will occur, FCSO will continue to find innovative ways to ensure that anyone attempting to steal catalytic converters or purchase stolen catalytic converters will be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “If you are buying property that you believe may be stolen I suggest you don’t do it as you might be buying from an undercover deputy! I would also like to thank the St. John’s County Sheriff’s Office for assisting us with these undercover operations.”
Warrants were secured for 31-year-old Jorge Luis Toledo and 37-year-old Oscar Olascoaga, both from DeLand. Toledo was arrested in Seminole County on May 1, while Olascoaga was arrested May 6, in Volusia County.
As always, report suspicious activity to the FCSO by emailing [email protected], calling the nonemergency line at 386-313-4911, or submitting a tip on our website flaglersheriff.com or through our mobile application available for download on the AppStore or GooglePlay.
