Charges Dismissed in Catalytic Converter Theft Case in Seekonk, MA
Criminal Charges:
Man charged in the Taunton District Court, Bristol County, Massachusetts for:
- Conspiracy, in violation of M.G.L. c. 274, § 7
- Receiving Stolen Property in Excess of $1200, Subsequent Offense, in violation of M.G.L. c. 266, § 60
Case Overview:
Members of the Seekonk Police were investigating catalytic converter thefts across Massachusetts. During the investigation, police discovered multiple vehicles and people coming and going from a large garage believed to be linked to the thefts. Police obtained a warrant to install a surveillance camera outside of the garage. With the assistance of the camera, police on surveillance observed three people and various automobiles come and go from the garage that matched the descriptions of those suspected to be responsible for recent catalytic converter thefts. Police executed a search warrant on the garage, which yielded six stolen catalytic converters, empty money wraps with various denominations, several cell phones, a slip of paper with telephone numbers on it, four license plates with differing registration numbers, and several other pieces of incriminating evidence. Two men were present during the search execution and arrested. The third suspect, previously seen by police coming and going from the garage, was not present. As such, police obtained a warrant for his arrest. Once apprehended, the man retained Massachusetts Criminal Defense Lawyer, John L. Calcagni III, to defend him.
Case Result: Dismissed.
Attorney Calcagni and his team drafted and filed a motion to dismiss, alleging the absence of probable cause to believe the man was criminally responsible for the catalytic converter thefts, or possessing any stolen items related to the thefts. After the hearing, whereby Attorney John Pensa presented compelling oral arguments in support of the motion, the Court ordered the dismissal of all charges.