Marc H. Silverman, the Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, has announced that Yanquee Rodriguez, also known as "Yankster Rodriguez," has been sentenced to 15 months in federal prison. The West Hartford resident was convicted for his role in a catalytic converter theft ring and will also serve three years of supervised release.
The theft of catalytic converters from vehicles across Connecticut has been under investigation by law enforcement. These car parts are valuable due to their precious metal content and are easy to steal and difficult to trace. Their scrap value ranges from $300 to $1,500 depending on various factors.
The investigation uncovered that Alexander Kolitsas owned Downpipe Depot & Recycling LLC in East Hartford, which purchased stolen catalytic converters from individuals including Rodriguez. These parts were then sold to recycling businesses in New York and New Jersey. Kolitsas advised suppliers on the most profitable types of converters and often conducted transactions at his home or a family member's restaurant.
Business records show that Rodriguez was a significant supplier for Downpipe Depot, receiving $411,845 between January 2021 and May 2022 for stolen catalytic converters. Overall, Kolitsas paid more than $3.3 million to Rodriguez and other suppliers during this period.
Rodriguez was arrested on November 15, 2023, and pleaded guilty on June 26, 2024, to charges related to conspiracy and interstate transportation of stolen property. He remains free on a $100,000 bond until he reports to prison on May 19.
Kolitsas has also pleaded guilty to related charges and is awaiting sentencing.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CI), and East Hartford Police Department are leading the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren C. Clark and A. Reed Durham.