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.

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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.

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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.

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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.