08/08/2024
Great investigative work by all agencies involved!
CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFT RING, TARGETING PARKED CARS IN FIVE COUNTIES, BROKEN UP WITH ARRESTS
Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele and Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer announce the dismantling of an organized catalytic converter theft ring operating in Montgomery, Delaware, Bucks, Chester and Philadelphia counties. Arrested were Sharief Louden, 30, of Philadelphia; Daniel McIlhenney, 37, and Ryan McIlhenney, 36, both of Folcroft, Pa; Terrell Gibson, 40, of Chester, Pa,; and Loai Nasser, 49, of Cherry Hill, N.J. An arrest warrant has been issued for Ali Sayyam, 29, of Ocean, N.J.
The joint investigation by the Montgomery County Detective Bureau and the Delaware County Criminal Investigation Division began in 2022 when thefts of catalytic converters in Montgomery and surrounding counties rose sharply. Thieves began targeting catalytic converters due to the escalating value of the metals platinum, palladium and rhodium found in the devices. During the height of COVID, prices for precious metals were inflated with rhodium selling for as much as $31,000 an ounce; now it’s down to about $4,500 an ounce.
Members of this corrupt organization would steal catalytic converters off vehicles parked in high-traffic areas, such as shopping malls and centers, business parks, Philadelphia International Airport, Drexel University and other locations. Acting quickly, they could jack up a vehicle, cut out the catalytic converter and lower the vehicle in less than two minutes, allowing them to quickly steal catalytic converters. They would then sell the catalytic converters to salvage yards including two located on 61st Street in Philadelphia: Big Head Auto Salvage, operated by defendants Daniel and Ryan McIlhenney, and Philly Auto Salvage, operated by defendants Nasser and Sayyam. Both salvage yards would then sell the catalytic converters to various outlets in New Jersey. During 2023, records showed that Philly Auto Salvage sold converters for more than $1 million, while Big Head Auto Salvage recorded sales of more than $300,000.
“These organized theft crews were responsible for a large portion of the catalytic converter thefts in the Southeastern Pennsylvania region. They caused significant financial hardship for vehicle owners while undermining the safety of our communities,” said DA Steele. “By dismantling this theft ring, we are sending a clear message that this type of criminal activity and other organized theft rings in Montgomery and Delaware counties will be investigated and prosecuted aggressively.”
DA Stollstiemer also cited the dangerous nature of this group. “The theft of catalytic converters from vehicles has left a trail of fear in our neighborhoods these last several years. By working together, law enforcement has broken up and removed this dangerous ring of thieves from our streets and hopefully restored a sense of peace with the knowledge that such lawlessness will not be tolerated.” said DA Stollsteimer.
The long-term investigation was led by the Montgomery County Detective Bureau and the Delaware County District Attorney’s Criminal Investigation Unit (CID). The investigation involved electronic, visual and fixed surveillance; call detail records; downloads of cellphones; multiple interviews and other forms of investigation.
The investigation received assistance from numerous law enforcement agencies including nearly 20 police departments (East Norriton, Upper Merion Township, Springfield Township, Upper Gwynedd Township, Lower Gwynedd Township, Montgomery Township, Lower Providence Township Police, West Norriton Township, Plymouth Township, Upper Dublin Township, Abington Township, Upper Moreland Township and Philadelphia), the Bucks County Detective Bureau, Pennsylvania State Police, Delaware River Port Authority Police, University of Delaware Police, Pennsylvania State Police Auto Theft Task Force and the FBI.
The defendants are charged with multiple felony counts of Corrupt Organization, Theft of Catalytic Converter, Receiving Stolen Property, Theft of Secondary Metal and related charges. The defendants were arraigned on Sept. 18, 2023, by Magisterial District Judge Patrick Krouse, who set bail at $99,000 cash for Daniel McIlhenney, Ryan McIlhenney and Loai Nassar, $50,000 10 percent for Gibson, and $100,000 unsecured for Louden. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Aug. 19, 2024.
The case will be prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Christopher Taffe and Gwendolyn Kull, Captain of the Economic Crimes Unit.
CRIMINAL CHARGES, AND ANY DISCUSSION THEREOF, ARE MERELY ALLEGATIONS AND ALL DEFENDANTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL AND UNLESS PROVEN GUILTY.
