Catalyst theft ring leads to 3 arrests, over 2 dozen parts stolen, MPs say

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – Three people were arrested Friday, May 13, following a week-long investigation into over two dozen catalytic converter thefts committed by the same suspects, according to deputies with the East Baton Rouge Township Sheriff’s Office.

Darius Smith, Kenya Randall and Terrance Mundy were identified as suspects in the investigation, which began April 29, 2022.

Officials say the suspects were targeting cars parked by homes and businesses in the East Baton Rouge community.

Detectives report they collected surveillance video showing the suspects and a suspect vehicle in multiple locations and jurisdictions in Louisiana.

According to EBRSO, most thefts occurred between midnight and 6am on different nights from April 29 through May 10 in Woodbridge, Briar Place, Industriplex, Glen Oaks, Long Farm, Sherwood Commons and the Jefferson/Airline area.

On Friday morning, EBRSO theft detectives located the suspect vehicle on Airline Highway and Prescott Road.

Searching the car, detectives found several catalytic converters that had been stolen in Alexandra, La, a few hours earlier.

The suspects have been linked to cases being investigated by the Baton Rouge Police Department, the Ascension Township Sheriff’s Office and the Alexandria Police Department.

Darius Smith of Cottonport, La. faces 25 counts of theft and 1 count of trespassing.

Kenya Randall of Bunkie, La., faces 25 counts of theft and 1 count of trespassing

Terrance Mundy of Bunkie, La., faces 25 counts of theft and 1 count of trespassing.

Smith, Randall and Mundy were sent to East Baton Rouge Parish Jail.

Click here to report a typo.

Copyright 2022 WAFB. All rights reserved.