- Thomas directed thieves, purchased stolen converters, and sold them to Oregon recyclers for $2.7 million, concealing proceeds through structured cash withdrawals.
- He attempted to cover his crimes with fake IDs, VINs, and signed statements but got caught selling to undercover law enforcement.
- Arrested in April 2023, Thomas’ conviction led to a 90% drop in Fresno-area catalytic converter thefts.
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A 72-year-old man who led a multi-million-dollar catalytic converter theft operation in the Fresno area was sentenced Thursday to 10 years in federal prison.
George Thomas, formerly of Fresno and Clovis, was convicted of selling thousands of stolen catalytic converters and engaging in financial transactions to conceal the proceeds, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant said…