Man Found Guilty of 80 Counts of Grand Theft, Vandalism for Stealing Catalytic Converters

On November 12, 2024, TCDA prosecutors secured a significant guilty verdict against Sean Michael Pelton, age 52, of Sacramento, for a series of high-volume thefts of catalytic converters in Visalia.

In three separate instances from March 2020 to September 2020, and an additional instance in July 2021, Pelton targeted utility trucks in the AT&T service yard in northeast Visalia. Using bolt cutters to cut holes in the yard’s security fence in each instance, Pelton stole a total of 73 converters. The thefts greatly impacted the company’s fleet, preventing technicians from reaching customers. Each converter cost the company in excess of $1,000. Pelton was identified after a lengthy investigation by the Visalia Police Department using surveillance video, geofence data, and hotel and cell phone records.

In all, Pelton was convicted of 73 counts of grand theft, 3 counts of attempted grand theft, and 4 counts of vandalism. Additionally, the jury found true the aggravating factors that crimes took planning and sophistication and involved stealing something of value. Pelton also admitted that he possessed prior convictions and prison terms, that he was on parole or probation during the crimes, and that his performance on probation or parole was unsatisfactory. Pelton possesses over 20 prior felony convictions, largely for theft, burglary, and vandalism, throughout California.

At sentencing, Pelton could face up to 52 years in custody. However, due to California AB 109 criminal justice realignment, Pelton’s convictions are ineligible for state prison and any sentence imposed will be served in local jail. He remains in custody while awaiting sentencing.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Sean Sangree and was investigated by the Visalia Police Department.

Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare Chief Deputy District Attorney Dave Alavezos (559) 636-5494