After the discovery of 101 catalytic converters at an East Baton Rouge couple’s chop shop, Matthew and Brooke Gibson are facing numerous charges, including possession of narcotics. Baton Rouge Police Sgt L’Jean McKneely says there’s been an ongoing increase of catalytic converter theft and they are investigating ties to Gibson’s operation.
“And who they have been selling their converters to. We did find out that through the course of our investigation a little bit of information of them transporting the converters to Texas for sale,” said McKneely.
The couple was also charged with contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile because their child was found in the home along with the stolen items and narcotics.
Catalytic converters, which are part of a vehicle’s exhaust system, contain precious metals like platinum and palladium ranging in value from $900 to $2,500. McKneely says as for preventing someone from stealing one for your car it’s almost impossible because they can be removed in a matter of minutes.
“They normally have two people there, one to look out, the other go underneath the car. Use a reciprocating tube, battery operated to cut above the catalytic converter, cut below it, pull it from underneath, and then they can leave the area,” said McKneely.
According to State Farm insurance, theft claims for catalytic converters rose almost 300% from July of 2020 to July 2021 in the US. McKneely says with the Gibson operation they hope to make more arrests.
“Because it seems as if a lot of the individuals that are out there stealing these converters were bringing it to them and then the Gibsons were then taking it to another wholesaler,” said McKneely.
