Las Vegas man charged in catalytic converter theft ring

Las Vegas, Nev. (FOX5) – A Las Vegas man has been charged with conspiracy to commit the interstate transportation of stolen property in Nevada County as part of a catalytic converter theft ring.

Joseph Sales was released on personal recognizance after his arrest Thursday. According to the FBI, Sales was part of a company that bought stolen converters from criminals who cut them out of cars.

Sales at another undisclosed company did the same.

In 2022, two undercover FBI informants made a deal with a dealer in Las Vegas to sell him 11 converters for $2,200.

Sales paid them by check. He even told the reporters to be careful because the investigation of the stolen converters is going on in this district.

In another example, in 2022, Sales purchased 23 converters for $12,600, again using a check and cash. According to the FBI report, this happened several more times.

It is not yet known when his next trial will take place.

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