Sacramento Man Convicted for Visalia Catalytic Converter Thefts That Grounded AT&T's Truck Fleet

By Anthony W. Haddad

Published 7 months ago on

November 15, 2024

Sean Michael Pelton, 52, of Sacramento, was convicted of 80 charges for stealing 73 catalytic converters in Visalia, disrupting operations and causing significant losses. (Tulare County DA)

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Sean Michael Pelton, 52, of Sacramento, has been found guilty of an elaborate series of thefts that targeted catalytic converters from utility trucks in Visalia, leaving a significant impact on local operations, according to the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office.

Pelton was convicted on Tuesday of 80 charges, including three counts of grand theft and four counts of vandalism, tied to a string of crimes dating back to 2020.

Pelton broke into AT&T’s northeast Visalia service yard multiple times, using bolt cutters to slice through the security fence and make off with 73 catalytic converters, officials said.

The thefts weren’t just a financial blow — each converter cost more than $1,000 — but they also grounded the company’s fleet, delaying customer service for countless residents.

Authorities pieced together Pelton’s trail using surveillance footage, geofence technology, and hotel and cell phone records.

Pelton, who admitted to being on probation during the crimes, has over 20 prior felony convictions, mostly for theft and vandalism.

Pelton’s convictions are ineligible for state prison and any sentence imposed will be served in local jail. Pelton now faces up to 52 years behind bars, the Tulare County DA’s Office said.

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Anthony W. Haddad,

Multimedia Journalist

Anthony W. Haddad, who graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with his undergraduate degree and attended Fresno State for a MBA, is the Swiss Army knife of GV Wire. He writes stories, manages social media, and represents the organization on the ground.