Two men have admitted to conspiring to steal dozens of catalytic converters across the D.C. area, including at least 15 in Arlington alone.
Erick Alfaro Guevara, 46, pleaded guilty yesterday (Wednesday) to one count of conspiracy to engage in interstate transportation and sale of stolen goods, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia announced.
He joins co-conspirator Jose Wilmer Ortiz Granados, who pleaded guilty to the same charge on July 1.
Both men, who are from El Salvador, participated in a months-long scheme that resulted in the theft of over 100 catalytic converters across Arlington, Fairfax County and Montgomery County as well as Richmond, according to a statement of facts filed in federal court.
More than 15 catalytic converters were reported stolen from Richmond on or about Nov. 3, 2024. The following month, “at least” 15 similar thefts were reported in Arlington County.
An additional 90 catalytic converter thefts were reported to the Fairfax County Police Department between September and December 2024, court documents said.
Another 30 catalytic converters were reported stolen out of Montgomery County during the same period.
Multiple witnesses described a black BMW leaving the scene of the thefts — a vehicle that was “consistent in appearance” with Ortiz Granados’ vehicle, according to an affidavit.
Other witnesses identified a burgundy Honda Accord, which was later determined to be Alfaro Guevara’s vehicle.
On Dec. 18, following a single-car accident involving the Honda Accord in Anne Arundel County, responding officers found 17 catalytic converters scattered around the scene of the crash, the affidavit said.
After connecting Alfaro Guevara to the abandoned vehicle, investigators then used phone records to track down the two perpetrators.
One device connected to Ortiz Granados was “at or near” the majority of the 90 catalytic converter thefts in Fairfax County, as well as the 10 Arlington incidents reported in December.
Ortiz Granados, who was arrested on March 4, will be sentenced on Sept. 30. Alfaro Guevara, who was arrested on May 21, will be sentenced on Oct. 28.
Both men face a sentence up to five years in federal prison.
