A 27-year-old Euless man is one of the first in Texas to be sentenced under a 2023 state law that makes catalytic converter theft a felony in some cases, the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney’s Office said.
Jaylin Jessie was found guilty of organized criminal conduct by a Tarrant County jury and sentenced to 35 years in prison, according to the District Attorney’s Office on Tuesday.
During the inquiry, police received allegations from at least eight persons who had their catalytic converters stolen while at work last year, according to authorities.
When cops attempted to apprehend Jessie, a police chase involving various agencies ensued. According to officials, one officer crashed his vehicle and went to the hospital.
Jessie has allegedly robbed other people, including one at gunpoint, according to information provided to the jury by the DA’s Office during his trial’s punishment phase.
State law increased penalties for catalytic converter theft
In 2023, Gov. Greg Abbott enacted legislation toughening penalties for catalytic converter theft and illegal possession.
The Deputy Darren Almendarez Act was named after a Harris County sheriff’s deputy who was shot and murdered while attempting to stop three men accused of attempting to steal his vehicle’s catalytic converter while off duty.
The law also established a new criminal charge for unauthorized possession of a catalytic converter, as well as record preservation guidelines for car part sales, acquisitions, and repairs.
Thieves target automotive parts, which are typically made of platinum, palladium, or rhodium, in order to sell the metal.
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