Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele and Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer announced this morning the dismantling of an organized catalytic converter theft ring operating in Montgomery, Delaware, Bucks, Chester and Philadelphia counties.
Arrested were Sharief Louden, 30, of Philadelphia; Daniel McIlhenney, 37, and Ryan McIlhenney, 36, both of Folcroft, Pa; Terrell Gibson, 40, of Chester, Pa,; and Loai Nasser, 49, of Cherry Hill, N.J. An arrest warrant has been issued for Ali Sayyam, 29, of Ocean, N.J.
The long-term investigation received assistance from numerous law enforcement agencies and nearly 20 police departments, including Lower Gwynedd Township, Montgomery Township, and Upper Dublin Township, according to a press release by the District Attorney’s Office.
The Bucks County Detective Bureau, Pennsylvania State Police, Delaware River Port Authority Police, University of Delaware Police, Pennsylvania State Police Auto Theft Task Force and the FBI were also involved.
A joint investigation by the Montgomery County Detective Bureau and the Delaware County Criminal Investigation Division began in 2022 when thefts of catalytic converters in Montgomery and surrounding counties rose sharply due to the escalating value of the metals platinum, palladium and rhodium found in the devices, the statement said.
“Members of this corrupt organization would steal catalytic converters off vehicles parked in high-traffic areas, such as shopping malls and centers, business parks, Philadelphia International Airport, Drexel University and other locations,” the statement said.
It continues:
Acting quickly, they could jack up a vehicle, cut out the catalytic converter and lower the vehicle in less than two minutes, allowing them to quickly steal catalytic converters. They would then sell the catalytic converters to salvage yards including two located on 61st Street in Philadelphia: Big Head Auto Salvage, operated by defendants Daniel and Ryan McIlhenney, and Philly Auto Salvage, operated by defendants Nasser and Sayyam. Both salvage yards would then sell the catalytic converters to various outlets in New Jersey. During 2023, records showed that Philly Auto Salvage sold converters for more than $1 million, while Big Head Auto Salvage recorded sales of more than $300,000.
“These organized theft crews were responsible for a large portion of the catalytic converter thefts in the Southeastern Pennsylvania region. They caused significant financial hardship for vehicle owners while undermining the safety of our communities,” said DA Steele. “By dismantling this theft ring, we are sending a clear message that this type of criminal activity and other organized theft rings in Montgomery and Delaware counties will be investigated and prosecuted aggressively.”
The defendants are charged with multiple felony counts of Corrupt Organization, Theft of Catalytic Converter, Receiving Stolen Property, Theft of Secondary Metal and related charges. They were arraigned on September 18, 2023, by Magisterial District Judge Patrick Krouse, who set bail at $99,000 cash for Daniel McIlhenney, Ryan McIlhenney and Loai Nassar, $50,000 10 percent for Gibson, and $100,000 unsecured for Louden.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 1:00pm on August 19. The case will be prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Christopher Taft and Gwendolyn Kull, Captain of the Economic Crimes Unit.
Photos: Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office