A Los Angeles man has been charged in connection with a string of catalytic converter thefts across Ventura County, prosecutors announced Friday.<\/p>\n
Efran Esau Flores Alvarez, 20, is facing nine felony grand theft charges after investigators linked him to a series of thefts reported in Thousand Oaks and Simi Valley between March 20 and April 23, according to the Ventura County District Attorney\u2019s Office.<\/p>\n
Authorities said Alvarez was arrested on May 19.<\/p>\n
During the arrest, investigators allegedly found a hand saw, impact drills, saw blades and a floor jack inside his vehicle, along with more than $5,600 in cash.<\/p>\n
Investigators believe Alvarez may be connected to additional catalytic converter thefts throughout Ventura County, and officials said the investigation remains ongoing, adding that more charges could be filed.<\/p>\n
Catalytic converter thefts have remained a persistent issue across Southern California in recent years because the devices contain valuable precious metals, including platinum, palladium and rhodium.<\/p>\n
The Ventura County Sheriff\u2019s Office and the Simi Valley Police Department investigated the case.<\/p>\n
Prosecutors also filed a special allegation claiming the crimes showed \u201cplanning, sophistication, or professionalism,\u201d according to court documents.<\/p>\n
Alvarez pleaded not guilty during his arraignment Thursday in Ventura County Superior Court. He remains in custody with bail set at $75,000 and is scheduled to return to court June 2 for an early disposition conference.<\/p>\n
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