A man was arrested in The Plains on Tuesday for stolen catalytic converters, theft and breaking and entering.
The Criminal Interdiction Units executed a search warrant due to the “overwhelming” reports of stolen catalytic converters in the Athens County area, according to an Athens County Sheriff’s Office press release.
Video surveillance was recovered from a local business, which had seven catalytic converts stolen from the business. After looking at the video, deputies were able to identify two men.
James Howerton, 47, of 7 Beech Road, The Plains, was arrested for theft, breaking and entering and possession of criminal tools, which are all fifth-degree felonies. Howerton is being held on a $35,000 bond with 10% allowed.
An additional subject has been identified, and charges are expected for the suspect. Drug paraphernalia was found at the location of the search warrant.
“If you are stealing and or illegally buying catalytic converters, we will find you and bring you to justice,” Sheriff Rodney Smith said in the news release. “I have dedicated my criminal interdiction units, detectives, and all road units to find you and put a stop to this criminal activity immediately. You can run but you can’t hide.”
