An Indianapolis man has been arrested in connection with a string of catalytic converter thefts spanning multiple counties, in what the sheriff’s office has dubbed a lucrative enterprise.
Johnathan Lee Botts, 36, was arrested last week on charges of racketeering and possession of a firearm by a felon, both Level 5 felonies, as well as possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hypodermic syringe or needle and possession of stolen property, all Level 6 felonies. He also faces a misdemeanor charge of criminal mischief. The Johnson County Prosecutor’s Office will determine what, if any, charges to file.
Area law enforcement in July learned of a local group of people — including Botts — who were cutting catalytic converters off of vehicles or assisting in the thefts and selling them for cash, according to the news release. Detectives later learned of another person who had sold as much as $750,000 worth of catalytic converters in three years, the news release said.
A catalytic converter is an exhaust emission control device that makes the harmful compounds in a car’s exhaust gasses non-harmful. The car part is prized for its precious metals, such as gold, copper, palladium, platinum and rhodium.
Detectives determined the theft spree was a collaborative effort among at least four individuals, with Botts being the primary suspect, according to the news release. Botts was later interviewed and admitted to his participation, saying he used the money to pay bills and support his meth habit.
String of events
Franklin police arrested Botts July 15, after they responded to a local business alarm where Botts was seen on surveillance video. Botts was located and arrested due to an outstanding warrant. He later told police he was at the business to cut off catalytic converters, the news release said.
That same day, a jail call was recorded in which Botts told the person on the other end of the line to "hold on to all of his (stuff)," including a gun that was referenced, according to the news release.
Botts was eventually released from jail.
Sheriff’s deputies conducted a traffic stop Aug. 25, in which Botts was driving with a suspended license. He was issued a summons to appear in court, according to the news release.
According to standard procedures, the car Botts was driving was impounded. Before it was towed, Botts was allowed to retrieve any items of value. Detectives watched body camera footage that showed Botts to have multiple catalytic converters and saws. One particular saw, wrapped in duct tape, caught the attention of detectives, as it was consistent with the tools of a professional thief, the news release said.
Then, on Sept. 2, a catalytic converter was stolen from a Greenwood gas station. This time, surveillance video captured Botts using multiple saws to cut off and steal the catalytic converter from a Ford F-250, while an accomplice was on “look-out,” according to the news release.
At that time, the sheriff’s office distributed a flier to area law enforcement agencies and social media, and a tip later identified Botts as the suspect.
Search warrant executed
Sheriff’s deputies served a search warrant Thursday at a trailer in Countryview Estates, in the 1100 block of Hospital Road in Franklin.
There, they found three individuals — Botts, Savannah Renee Murphy, who was arrested on an outstanding warrant, and a neighbor who was released at the scene.
On Botts, deputies found a 1/2 gram of meth and a hypodermic needle, according to the sheriff’s office news release. They also found a pistol with an obliterated serial number in the master bedroom, and numerous saws.
Deputies arrested Botts and took him to the sheriff’s office, where he told detectives about his catalytic converter theft scheme, according to the news release.
Thefts detailed
Botts said he cuts off catalytic converters and sells them for cash. He made $360 on his most recent sale, he told detectives. He had made as much as $450 on a single part, the news release said.
Botts was asked about the type of catalytic converter “paraphernalia” detectives would find at his house. Botts said he had three or four reciprocating saws, numerous blades, a cordless band saw and a broken band saw.
He also detailed exactly how he steals the car parts, and added that he conducts the thefts at nighttime.
He uses the cash he receives from the catalytic converter sales to pay his bills, including rent and cell phone, and buy meth, he told detectives. He also uses the money to buy food, he said. He has not had a job in at least 18 months, and stealing the car parts was his sole source of income, he told them.
Botts said he started stealing catalytic converters three to six months ago, and typically steals one to six a week. He also admitted to teaching others how to steal the car parts, and using those people for assistance in the thefts, the news release said.
Botts is held at the Johnson County jail on $22,400 bond. The investigation is ongoing.
Catalytic converter thefts are a widespread issue, Sheriff Duane Burgess said. During the course of the investigation, the sheriff’s office began reaching out to state lawmakers for help with how companies pay people who turn in the car parts for profit, he said.
