Investigation into Catalytic Converter Thefts Leads to Search Warrant and Arrest at Residential “Chop-Shop”
Photo: Recovered converters
Originally published as a Yuba County Sheriff’s Department Facebook post:
“Olivehurst, CA – Yuba County Sheriff Detectives and Patrol Deputies served a search warrant today at approximately 9:00 a.m. and discovered a stolen vehicle and auto parts chop-shop operation at a dilapidated residence in the 1600 block of Broadway Road in south Olivehurst. The owner/occupant of the property, identified as 59-year-old William Morrissey, was located at the home and placed under arrest for Auto Theft, Possession of Stolen Property, Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Drug Paraphernalia. Yuba County Code Enforcement also responded to the scene and declared the home unsafe to occupy.
Today’s search warrant and subsequent arrest was the result of a several-months-long investigation into catalytic converter thefts in the community. Dozens of auto parts were seized from the property, including several catalytics. Additionally, during the course of the investigation, approximately 30 catalytics were intercepted and seized from shipments allegedly made by Morrissey to mail-in recycler businesses.
Locating owners of stolen catalytics can be difficult since the parts do not usually contain any identifying properties to trace back to victims. We encourage vehicle owners to have identifying information, such as your driver’s license number, etched onto these valuable parts. Catalytic converters are commonly targeted for their precious metal content. If you have been a recent victim of a catalytic converter theft and your part had an identifiable mark or number on it, please contact our department to see if we may have recovered your stolen property.
A second subject contacted on scene, identified as Roy Crabb age 47, was arrested for several outstanding warrants including a violation of parole. Both Crabb and Morrissey were booked in to the Yuba County Jail.”
