Three Charged in $2.4M Catalytic Converter Theft Ring

Three Rhode Island men—Kuron Mitchell, Alberto Rivera, and Luis Aceituno—have been federally charged for their roles in a catalytic converter theft ring that operated across Rhode Island and Massachusetts from January 2021 to November 2022. The group allegedly stole over 7,000 catalytic converters valued at more than $2.4 million by targeting unoccupied vehicles in neighborhoods and parking lots. Many converters were sold to a Providence-based recycling company, with Aceituno accused of selling 2,128 for nearly $700,000 and Rivera selling 19 for over $7,000. Aceituno also faces accusations of failing to report and pay nearly $200,000 in taxes on illicit earnings and is charged with filing false tax returns. The men face charges of interstate transportation of stolen property and conspiracy. Mitchell and Aceituno have been released on bond or home detention, while Rivera remains detained on unrelated charges.