SANTA ANA, Calif. – On September 3, 2026, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, working with several assisting agencies, served multiple search warrants, leading to the dismantling of a significant catalytic converter theft ring. This operation culminated a three-month-long investigation conducted by the North Investigations Unit and North Directed Enforcement Team. The investigation successfully linked a series of catalytic converter thefts occurring across several cities in north Orange County to a sophisticated organization involved in the theft, dismantling, transfer, and purchasing of these valuable vehicle components.
Search warrants related to this extensive investigation were executed in both Orange County and Los Angeles County. These efforts resulted in the arrest of five individuals suspected of involvement in the ring. Authorities also recovered approximately 2,400 suspected stolen catalytic converters, with an estimated total value of $4.3 million. In addition to the converters, law enforcement officials discovered several large shipping boxes containing precious metals, two unregistered firearms, and more than $105,000 in U.S. currency. The recovery of these substantial assets underscores the scale of the criminal enterprise impacting local residents and businesses.
The individuals arrested in connection with the investigation were identified as Jorge Alberto Delgadillo, 35, of Maywood; Julio Moreno Reyes, 40, of Los Angeles; Gilberto Valdovino, 27, of Los Angeles; Brayan CruzDeLeon, 20, of Los Angeles; and Hugo SaenzMarin, 24, of Compton. All five were booked on suspicion of Grand Theft (CPC 487) and Conspiracy to Commit a Crime (CPC 182(a)(1)).
The success of the operation was supported by the collaborative efforts of multiple agencies. Assisting the Orange County Sheriff’s Department were the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Major Crimes Bureau, Los Angeles County Fire/Haz-Mat Investigations, California Department of Motor Vehicles Investigations, California Department of Insurance Investigations, and City of Irvine Code Enforcement. The Orange County District Attorney’s office also played a vital role throughout the investigation, contributing to what the Sheriff's Department described as "a tremendous amount of time, dedication, tenacity, and professionalism."
This successful enforcement action serves as a crucial reminder for Orange County residents to remain vigilant against theft. The Orange County Sheriff's Department advises vehicle owners to park in well-lit areas or inside a garage, and to consider investing in anti-theft devices or having identifying information etched onto car parts. These measures can help protect property and deter future incidents of theft.
