Queen City News

Catawba County man charged with operating a chop shop, found with 4 dozen stolen catalytic converters

Todd Allen Lail (left) is accused of running a chop shop after being found with near four dozen stolen catalytic converters (Source: Catawba Co. Sheriff's Office)

CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A Newton man has been charged after investigators found nearly four dozen stolen catalytic converters in his possession.

According to Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, investigators received a tip in April about a location on Providence Mill Road where suspected stolen catalytic converters were being purchased.

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Investigators executed a search warrant on April 26 where they met with Todd Allen Lail and found 47 catalytic converters with an estimated scrap metal value of $40,000. The catalytic converters were seized by investigators along with other items and receipts of purchase.

Lail was arrested and charged with running a chop shop, which is a class G felony. He was given a $15,000 unsecured bond and must appear in Catawba County District Court on May 23.

The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are pending, according to investigators.