Catalytic Converter Kingpin George Thomas Jailed for Decade

Fresno’s George Thomas, 72, was sentenced today to a decade in federal prison for orchestrating a massive catalytic converter theft ring. The U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced the sentence, which comes after Thomas sold thousands of stolen converters for millions of dollars and conducted financial transactions to hide his profits.

“George Thomas fueled a black market for stolen catalytic converters that targeted hardworking people,” said U.S. Attorney Grant. “Today’s sentencing shows there will be significant consequences for such behavior.”

The FBI’s Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel emphasized the collaborative effort of local, state, and federal agencies. “Catalytic converter theft was a pervasive problem in Fresno largely due to Thomas’s multi-million-dollar scheme,” Patel said.

Clovis Police Detective Corporal Kedric Anderson praised the joint investigation. “Immediate results followed Thomas’s arrest, significantly reducing catalytic converter thefts in our community,” Anderson noted.

Thomas was convicted on March 27, 2025, following a trial with over 120 exhibits and 15 witnesses. The evidence showed he purchased stolen converters from thieves in the Fresno area between January 2021 and November 2022, selling them to a metal recycling company for over $2.7 million.

Despite initial searches by law enforcement, Thomas continued his illegal activities and tried to cover up his actions. He photographed thieves, requested VINs, and allowed fake IDs and false VINs in some transactions.