Sean Michael Pelton, 53, is paying a heavy price for his catalytic converter theft spree in Visalia in 2020 and 2021. (GV Wire Composite)
Share
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Sean Michael Pelton will pay a heavy price for his catalytic converter theft spree in Visalia in 2020 and 2021.
The 53-year-old Sacramento man was sentenced to 15 years in prison and ordered to pay $133,000 restitution on Thursday in Tulare County Superior Court.
Pelton was convicted of the thefts in November 2024.
In addition, Pelton was sentenced to 20 non-concurrent months in three additional cases for similar crimes in Amador, Sacramento, and Fresno counties. Restitution was ordered at $236,031.44
in those cases.
“Let this sentence serve as a warning to other would-be thieves,” said Tulare County District Attorney Tim Ward in a statement. “Although the crime itself may be considered ‘non-violent’ by our Legislature, my office will recognize these impacts to our community and will do everything in our power to ensure this career criminal and anyone who would follow in his footsteps are
removed from society and not able to re-victimize.”
About the Thefts
In three separate thefts from March 2020 to September 2020, and an additional theft in July 2021, Pelton targeted utility trucks in the AT&T service yard in northeast Visalia. Using bolt cutters to cut holes in the yard’s security fence, Pelton stole 73 converters.
The company said that the thefts greatly impacted the company’s fleet, preventing technicians from reaching customers. Each converter cost the company more than $1,000. Visalia police used surveillance video, geo-fencing data, and hotel and cell phone records to identify Pelton.
Pelton had more than 20 prior felony convictions — largely for theft, burglary, and vandalism — throughout California.
Assistant District Attorney Sean Sangree prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Visalia Police Department.
RELATED TOPICS:
Clovis CPA Sentenced to Prison for $800K Bank Fraud Scheme
8 hours ago
His Gang Name Is ‘Goer.’ Now Fresno County Man Is Going to Prison for 20 Years
8 hours ago
Missing Woman Found Dead in Fresno County Canal Identified
8 hours ago
Co-Conspirator Sentenced in Fraud Involving Loans to Bitwise
8 hours ago
Valley Crime Stoppers’ Most Wanted Person of the Day: Stephanie Marie Zamarripa
8 hours ago
Why Trump Is Mad at ‘Sleazebag’ Leonard Leo
8 hours ago
Madera County Authorities Seek Public’s Help Locating Missing At-Risk Man
10 hours ago
Campbell’s Co. Says Sales Rise as More Americans Cook at Home
10 hours ago
‘King of the Hill’ Voice Actor Jonathan Joss Fatally Shot Outside His Texas Home
7 hours ago
Categories

‘King of the Hill’ Voice Actor Jonathan Joss Fatally Shot Outside His Texas Home

Not Quite ‘Hunger Games,’ but Fresno Budget Hearings Start

Clovis CPA Sentenced to Prison for $800K Bank Fraud Scheme

His Gang Name Is ‘Goer.’ Now Fresno County Man Is Going to Prison for 20 Years

Missing Woman Found Dead in Fresno County Canal Identified

Co-Conspirator Sentenced in Fraud Involving Loans to Bitwise

Valley Crime Stoppers’ Most Wanted Person of the Day: Stephanie Marie Zamarripa
