Converter Crook Jennings Gets 9 Months

ST. LOUIS – Another piece of the St. Louis underbelly got locked up Friday when Matthew Jennings, 31, of East St. Louis, Illinois, received a nine-month federal prison sentence for a brazen catalytic converter theft ring that plagued businesses across the metro area. U.S. District Judge Rodney W. Sippel didn’t just hand down jail time; Jennings was also ordered to cough up $46,001 in restitution to the victims he and his crew ripped off.

The scheme, which kicked off in December 2019, saw Jennings and his partner, D’Ante Carter, systematically targeting pickup trucks and vans parked overnight at landscaping companies, commercial properties, and even an organization dedicated to assisting people with disabilities. The pair managed to swipe a total of 39 catalytic converters, with three additional attempted thefts also on their rap sheet.

According to court documents, Carter, 38, of Florissant, acted as the lookout while Jennings wielded a reciprocating saw, expertly slicing away the converters. These aren’t just random car parts; they contain trace amounts of precious metals, making them valuable to unscrupulous recyclers. The stolen goods were then fenced to a recycling company across the river in Illinois.

Carter already faced justice, receiving the same nine-month sentence and restitution order back in September after pleading guilty to a charge of conspiracy to transport and sell stolen goods. Jennings followed suit in November, also entering a guilty plea to the same charge. The pair clearly thought they could turn a quick buck, but the FBI and a multi-jurisdictional task force had other plans.

The investigation was a collaborative effort, pulling in resources from the FBI, as well as the police departments of St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Creve Coeur, Bridgeton, Maryland Heights, O’Fallon, Missouri and Webster Groves. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Ware spearheaded the prosecution, ensuring the pair faced consequences for their actions. This case sends a clear message: ripping off businesses and vulnerable populations won’t be tolerated.

While nine months might not seem like a lengthy sentence, it’s a start. The Grimy Times will continue to monitor similar cases and expose the criminals preying on the hard-working people of the St. Louis region. Restitution, however, is a more direct form of justice for the victims left picking up the pieces – and footing the bill for replacement converters.