Michele Beckwith Acting U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of California
George Thomas, a 72-year-old formerly residing in Fresno and Clovis, was found guilty of running a large-scale catalytic converter theft ring that generated more than $2.7 million, the Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced. After a four-day jury trial, Thomas was also convicted of structuring his finances to evade federal reporting requirements.
Thomas systematically withdrew cash in amounts less than $10,000 to avoid the mandatory reporting of monetary transactions to the government. This tactic is known as structuring and was part of how Thomas attempted to conceal his operations.
“'Catalytic converter theft is a nationwide problem that has affected tens of thousands of Californians,'” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Beckwith. The enforcement action, she said, is part of ongoing efforts to tackle organized crime that impacts a large number of victims.
Sid Patel, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Sacramento Field Office, emphasized the broader significance of the conviction: “‘Today’s verdict sends a message; catalytic converter theft conspiracies will not be tolerated.’” Local and federal agencies collaborated to bring down the criminal operation, he noted.
District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp praised the joint efforts between local law enforcement and federal authorities. “‘This collaboration exemplifies the power of teamwork between local and federal agencies in combating organized crime and ensuring justice for our community,’” she remarked. Thanks to this investigative partnership, significant legal consequences now face the ringleader.
Chief Mindy Casto of the Fresno Police Department commented on the impact of Thomas’ actions. “‘Mr. Thomas’ criminal actions impacted countless members of our communities, both financially and emotionally,’” she said. The department worked closely with federal counterparts, including the FBI and the Clovis Police Department, resulting in the successful prosecution.
Evidence during the trial revealed that Thomas purchased stolen converters from thieves who removed them. Sales were made in public areas such as motel and gas station parking lots at various times of the day and night. Thomas instructed thieves on which types of converters to steal and also loaned them funds, with thefts as collateral, to support their activities.
Despite an initial search warrant executed on his home in 2021, Thomas persisted in his illegal activities, instituting superficial measures to disguise his actions as legitimate. These measures included photograph documentation and false paperwork that failed to substantiate lawful conduct.
Thomas transported converters to Oregon, selling them to a metal recycling company. The business paid him via a wire transfer, while Thomas completed 386 cash withdrawals, each under $10,000, to access the money. Arrested in April 2023, Thomas' apprehension coincided with a more than 60 percent reduction in converter thefts in Fresno.
The case, initiating thanks to the collaboration of several law enforcement departments, will see Thomas sentenced on September 11, 2025. He faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine per conviction, with the actual sentence pending court discretion factoring in legal guidelines.
