SANTA ANA, Calif. (Sept. 4, 2026): On Sept. 3, 2026, members of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, in conjunction with several assisting agencies, served multiple search warrants in connection with a catalytic converter theft-ring. The discovery was the result of a three-month long investigation completed by the North Investigations Unit and North Directed Enforcement Team. Together, they were able to link a series on catalytic converter thefts, occurring throughout multiple cities in north Orange County, with a complex organization of catalytic converter thefts, dismantling, transfers, and purchasing.
Search warrants related to the investigation were served in both Orange County and Los Angeles County. The investigation and search warrants resulted in the arrests of five involved individuals, and the discovery of approximately 2,400 suspected stolen catalytic converters, several large shipping boxes containing precious metals, two unregistered firearms, and more than $105,000 in US currency. The total value of the recovered catalytic converters is approximately $4.3 million.
The assisting agencies included Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Major Crimes Bureau, Los Angeles County Fire/ Haz-Mat Investigations, California Department of Motor Vehicles Investigations, California Department of Insurance Investigations, and City of Irvine Code Enforcement.
The individuals arrested in connection to this investigation were identified as: Jorge Alberto Delgadillo (35) of Maywood, Julio Moreno Reyes (40) of Los Angeles, Gilberto Valdovino (27) of Los Angeles, Brayan CruzDeLeon (20) of Los Angeles, and Hugo SaenzMarin (24) of Compton. They were all booked on suspicion of CPC 487- Grand Theft and CPC 182(a)(1)- Conspiracy to Commit a Crime.
This investigation is the result of a tremendous amount of time, dedication, tenacity, and professionalism of all involved, including the Orange County District Attorney’s office, who played a vital role throughout the investigation.
This serves as a reminder to stay vigilant, park in well-lit areas or inside a garage, and invest in anti-theft devices or find a service provider to etch identifying information on car parts. For more information on vehicle security, visit ocsheriff.gov/community/stay-safe-oc/vehicle-security.
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