The leader of a major theft crew responsible for stealing catalytic converters from nearly 500 vehicles across Massachusetts and New Hampshire was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison.
BOSTON (WWLP) – The leader of a major theft crew responsible for stealing catalytic converters from nearly 500 vehicles across Massachusetts and New Hampshire was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison.
Rafael Davila, 36, of Springfield, also known as “Robbin Hood,” was sentenced for orchestrating thefts totaling an estimated $2 million in losses.
Davila, who led a crew that targeted vehicles in over 100 communities, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including conspiracy to transport stolen property and money laundering. Along with his prison sentence, Davila was ordered to pay $157,000 in restitution and complete 75 hours of community service.
Photo courtesy of the U.S. Department of Justice
Photo courtesy of the U.S. Department of Justice
Photo courtesy of the U.S. Department of Justice
Davila’s theft ring stole catalytic converters, ATMs, and burglarized jewelry stores. Federal and state law enforcement agencies credit his arrest and the subsequent takedown of his crew with a dramatic decline in catalytic converter thefts across the region, dropping from hundreds of cases to just nine in the 18 months following his arrest.
“Mr. Davila’s criminal enterprise wreaked havoc on hundreds of innocent victims,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “This case has brought much-needed relief to the public, with a sharp decline in catalytic converter thefts since his apprehension.”
Catalytic converter theft has become a national issue, with stolen converters fetching high prices on the black market due to the precious metals they contain. The damage from these thefts leaves vehicles inoperable, costing victims thousands in repair bills.
In addition to the catalytic converter thefts, Davila also admitted to stealing from ATMs and committing burglaries at New Hampshire jewelry stores, causing over $137,000 in damage.
Three of Davila’s co-defendants have already been sentenced, while the remaining co-conspirators await sentencing.
Local News Headlines
WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.