Springfield man sentenced for role in multi-state theft ring — Catalytic converter

BOSTON, MA – Santo Feliberty, 34, from Springfield, has been sentenced to 57 months in prison for his involvement in a theft ring that targeted catalytic converters, ATMs, and jewelry stores across Massachusetts and New Hampshire, resulting in an estimated $2 million in losses. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin, and Feliberty will also face three years of supervised release following his prison term.

Feliberty’s plea in October 2024 acknowledged his participation in a conspiracy that spanned 2022 through April 2023, leading to the theft of catalytic converters from over 490 vehicles, among other crimes. His arrest in April 2023, alongside six co-defendants, marked a significant crackdown on a regional organized theft crew responsible for a dramatic number of catalytic converter thefts, a crime that has surged nationwide due to the valuable precious metals contained within the devices.

The arrest and subsequent prosecution of the involved individuals have led to a noticeable decrease in such thefts, with only seven incidents reported in the 11 months following the arrests, compared to hundreds in the prior nine months. The thefts incurred significant repair costs for the victims, averaging $5,000 per vehicle, and affected over 300 victims including businesses and individuals.

In addition to catalytic converter theft, Feliberty was implicated in ATM thefts and jewelry store burglaries, with the stolen jewelry valued at over $137,000. The presence of a firearm and ammunition at Feliberty’s residence compounded his legal troubles, given his status as a felon prohibited from possessing such items.

Jose Torres, implicated as a middleman in the catalytic converter thefts, pleaded guilty in May 2023 and awaits sentencing. This case highlights the coordinated efforts of law enforcement to tackle the proliferation of organized theft and its significant impact on communities in the affected regions.

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