West Hartford’s Yanquee Rodriguez, a.k.a. ‘Yankster Rodriguez,’ has admitted his role in a massive catalytic converter theft ring that spanned across Connecticut. According to Vanessa Roberts Avery, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Rodriguez faced charges related to the trafficking of stolen catalytic converters, which are known for their high value due to precious metal content.
Law enforcement has been on the trail of thieves targeting catalytic converters from vehicles across the state. These converters are easy to pilfer and difficult to trace, making them a prime target for thieves. The average price for these converters ranges between $300 and $1,500, depending on their precious metal components.
The investigation zeroed in on Downpipe Depot & Recycling LLC, which had been purchasing stolen catalytic converters from Rodriguez and other thieves. Business records seized during the probe showed that Rodriguez was one of the largest suppliers for Downpipe Depot, having earned $411,845 between January 2021 and June 2022.
Rodriguez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property, a charge with a maximum sentence of five years, and interstate transportation of stolen property, which carries a maximum of ten years. Sentencing is scheduled for November 18th.
The 28-year-old was taken into custody on November 15, 2023, and is currently out on a $100,000 bond pending his sentencing.
This investigation has been a collaborative effort between the ATF, IRS-CI, and East Hartford Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren C. Clark and A. Reed Durham are prosecuting this case.
Related Federal Cases
- Rodriguez Gets 6 Years in New Haven Heroin Ring · Connecticut
- West Haven Woman Gets 6 Years for Deadly Drug Ring · Mississippi
- Volarat Sentenced to 6.5 Years for Massive Pot, Money Laundering Ring · Connecticut
- Brothers Guilty in Bridgeport Heroin Ring Overdose Case · Washington
- Aliyah Theresa Juliate Davis Pleads Guilty to Fraud, Identity Theft · Connecticut
Key Facts
- State: Connecticut
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
