Grimy Times Exclusive: Thieves Target Over 470 Vehicles for Catalytic Converters, ATMs, and Jewelry Stores in Massachusetts
Seven members of an organized theft crew were arrested today and charged in federal court in Boston in connection with thefts across the region, including catalytic converters stolen from over 470 vehicles, automatic teller machines and jewelry stores.
The following defendants have been charged with conspiracy to transport stolen property in interstate commerce; interstate transportation of stolen property; conspiracy to commit bank theft; bank theft; and money laundering conspiracy.
The defendants, who will make an initial appearance in federal court in Boston at 1:30 p.m. today, are:
1. Rafael Davila, a/k/a “Robin Hood,” 35, of Feeding Hills, Mass.;
2. Jose Torres, a/k/a “Goldy,” a/k/a “Goldy Tech,” 37, of Springfield, Mass.;
3. Nicolas Davila, 25, of Springfield, Mass.;
4. Carlos Fonseca, a/k/a “Charlito,” 26, of Springfield, Mass.;
5. Zachary Marshall, 26, of Holyoke, Mass.;
6. Santo Feliberty, 34, of Springfield, Mass.; and
7. Alexander Oyola, a/k/a “Dirty,” 37, of Springfield, Mass.
Catalytic converters are a component of a vehicle’s exhaust device that reduce the toxic gas and pollutants from a vehicle’s internal combustion engine into safe emissions, and are required on all combustion engine automobiles in the United States. Catalytic converters use precious metals in their center or ‘core’ and are targeted for theft due to the high value of these metals – including palladium, platinum and rhodium. Some of these precious metals are more valuable per ounce than gold and their value has been increasing in recent years, with black-market prices being more than $1,000 each.
Law enforcement throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire identified a large number of catalytic converter thefts for which a maroon Acura was identified as having been involved. These incidents involved at least two suspects wearing dark clothing, who would target residential and commercial vehicles. The suspects were skilled and able to locate and cut away the catalytic converter from a vehicle within a minute in most instances. The suspects utilized battery operated power-tools, specifically a fast-cutting reciprocating saw.
The investigation revealed that the maroon Acura belonged to Rafael Davila, the alleged theft crew leader who planned and participated in each of the thefts. It is alleged that Rafael Davila engages in catalytic converter thefts and burglaries on a full-time basis, committing thefts multiple nights per week for upwards of eight hours a night. Additionally, cell phone data allegedly revealed that Rafael Davila maintained meticulous notes accounting for the locations that he and his co-conspirators had targeted and the number of catalytic converters that had been stolen, including the makes and models and when they were dropped off.
The investigation, which involved over 70 local police departments from across New England, revealed that Rafael Davila would undertake the thefts with a group of individuals, including his brother Nicolas Davila, Fonseca, Feliberty and Marshall. Rafael Davila was allegedly responsible for the planning of and transportation to each targeted theft – using his vehicle, determining price values for stolen converters and purchasing needed materials. Specifically, Rafael Davila allegedly regularly purchased large quantities of battery operated power-tools and other equipment necessary for the thefts.
The charges against the defendants carry significant penalties, including up to 20 years in prison for conspiracy to transport stolen property in interstate commerce and up to 10 years in prison for interstate transportation of stolen property.
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Key Facts
- State: Massachusetts
- Category: Organized Crime|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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