News Summary
Three Rhode Island men have been charged in a large-scale catalytic converter theft operation that involved over 7,000 stolen converters valued at more than $2.4 million. Their activities spanned from 2021 to 2022, targeting unoccupied vehicles across Rhode Island and Massachusetts. The theft ring was uncovered through detailed investigations by multiple law enforcement agencies, revealing significant sales of stolen converters to a local company. The accused individuals face various charges including interstate transportation of stolen property.
Newport, Rhode Island – Three Rhode Island men have been formally charged in connection with a major catalytic converter theft operation that is believed to involve over 7,000 stolen catalytic converters, with an estimated total value exceeding $2.4 million. The accused individuals include Kuron Mitchell, 25, of Newport; Alberto Rivera, 25, of Cranston; and Luis Aceituno, 27, of Providence.
The thefts took place over a span of time between 2021 and 2022, with the group reportedly canvassing suburban neighborhoods and parking lots across both Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Their method involved targeting unoccupied vehicles to steal catalytic converters, a component of vehicle exhaust systems often sought after for their valuable metals.
According to the court documents, the stolen converters were sold to a company located in Providence, referred to in the legal filings as “Company 1.” The investigation into their operations revealed detailed records of sales made by Rivera and Aceituno. Specifically, Rivera is alleged to have sold 19 catalytic converters accumulating $7,100, while Aceituno reportedly sold 2,128 catalytic converters for an estimated $699,735.
The value of catalytic converters as scrap can vary significantly, often ranging from $300 to $1,500 depending on the make and model, as well as the types of precious metals contained within. This lucrative market has driven an increase in such thefts, prompting law enforcement to take action.
In addition to theft charges, Aceituno faces allegations of filing false tax returns. He is accused of failing to report income totaling $699,735 from his sales of catalytic converters for the tax years 2021 and 2022, which has led to a claim against him by the IRS for $199,908.
The investigation into this theft ring initiated in January 2022, when the Cranston Police Department began noticing a pattern of stolen catalytic converters in the area. As the investigation progressed, assistance from the FBI and database analysis of Company 1 in 2023 helped corroborate evidence regarding the sales executed by Rivera and Aceituno.
All three men are charged with interstate transportation of stolen property valued in excess of $5,000 and conspiracy to commit the same. Recent court appearances have resulted in varied outcomes for the accused; Kuron Mitchell appeared in court on April 25 and was ordered to home detention with GPS monitoring. Luis Aceituno has been released on an unsecured bond, however, Alberto Rivera remains in custody facing unrelated charges.
The investigation involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, the Cranston Police Department, the Providence Police Department, and the IRS-Criminal Investigations Division. It highlights the increasing concern regarding organized theft of vehicle parts, as authorities work to combat these illicit operations.
It is important to note that a federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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