Incident Date: 10-9-20

Posted by: Media Relations

TCSO Ag Detectives Bust Suspects Responsible for Rash of Catalytic Converter Thefts

Around 8:30 this morning, TCSO Ag Detectives were called to investigate series of Catalytic Converter thefts, which occurred over the last several weeks.

During the course of the investigation, detectives identified 55-year-old Samuel Escuita of Dinuba and 40-year-old Nicolas Lira of Reedley as the suspects. Escuita and Lira were booked into the Tulare County Sheriff’s Pre-trial Facility on c...harges of Grand Theft, Looting during a state of emergency and Conspiracy.

Catalytic Converter thefts are common throughout the Central Valley and there are steps that can be taken to prevent them. Our Ag Partners are encouraged to reach out to a member of the Tulare County Sheriff’s Agricultural Crimes Unit for a site assessment and to discuss options.

This case remains under investigation. Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Jeremy Conrad or Sergeant Bryan Clower at the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office at 1-800-808-0488, or anonymously at tcso@tipnow.com or by text or voicemail at 559-725-4194.