A multi-million-dollar catalytic converter theft ring operating across the Delaware Valley has been dismantled with the arrests of 11 adults and a juvenile, Bucks County District Attorney Matt Weintraub announced at a press conference Tuesday.
Michael Williams, 52, of Philadelphia, who operated TDI Towing, was the main buyer of the automotive equipment in Bucks and Montgomery counties, said the DA.
“We put them out of business,” Weintraub said. “It’s a corporate death sentence.”
Williams waived his preliminary hearing and is cooperating with authorities, said the DA, “Because we caught him red-handed.”
During the pandemic, thefts of the devices skyrocketed in Bucks and around the country due to the prices they could bring and the stresses on the supply chain, Weintraub said. From 2020 to 2023, thousands have been stolen, costing consumers millions, Weintraub added.
At its peak, TDI Towing was paying a minimum of $10,000 a night to thieves coming to the Wheatsheaf Lane tow yard with stolen converters, the nearly yearlong investigation reported. Several times, officials said, TDI paid $1,000 for a converter.
Investigators said TDI was buying stolen converters for at least three years, buying an average of 175 per week, or 27,000 over the course of those years. TDI employees paid thieves an average of $300 per catalytic converter, earning close to $8.2 million for the illegal operation, officials said.
Catalytic converters are designed to reduce pollution and are attached to the bottom of vehicles. They contain rhodium, platinum and palladium, rare and precious metals that can be sold for as much as $7,000 an ounce, officials said. Far less than an ounce is found in an individual catalytic converter.
Besides Williams, other TDI employees arrested include his sister-in-law Lisa Davalos, 47, of Philadelphia; Eric Simpson, 41, of Philadelphia; Anthony Davalos Sr., 43, of Philadelphia; and Gary Shirley, 48, of Hatboro. Richard Page, 39, of Warminster is also facing charges. He has yet to be found.
Others arrested are: Kevin Schwartz; a juvenile, identified as M.J.; Patrick Hopkins; Michael Bruce; and Michael Evangelist.
All are facing an array of charges including some that are first degree felonies. Theft of a catalytic converter is its own “unique charge,” said the DA.
Williams and TDI Towing are charged with a separate count of corrupt organizations, as they allegedly controlled the business. Weintraub said it’s the first time his office has charged a corporation.
Weintraub thanked all the agencies, police departments and detectives that helped in the cooperative investigation and he stressed the importance of the Bucks County 20th Investigating Grand Jury for its work.
“Without them we would not be standing here,” said the DA.
Police are asking the public to help find Richard Page and to call 215-348-6354 with information about him or his whereabouts.
Weintraub also asked anyone who has their catalytic converter stolen to report it to police, as the investigation is ongoing. Those who have already had one stolen can also call authorities, as they may be able to trace the device and the owner may be entitled to reparations.
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