FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – Detective work by a Fresno private investigator leads to the bust of a catalytic converter thief.
Catalytic converter theft is not only affecting car owners, the AG industry is being targeted as well.
Private Investigator Rocky Pipkin of the Pipkin Detective Agency busted a thief stealing catalytic converters, among other items.
PDA Agents believe that the suspect, 31-year-old Jorge Juarez Jr. is responsible for the theft of over 100 catalytic converters in the Kern and Tulare Counties with a total value of $200,000 or more.
“Investigators were able to use the SMARTWATER technology to tie Jorge Juarez Jr. back to our client’s property. SMARTWATER is a liquid that transfers upon touch or back spray during a burglary. That liquid has specific identifiers that are pre-registered to a specific client and logged according to a map. Jorge Juarez Jr. had SMARTWATER on his shoes, clothing, and burglary tools. Shoe prints were also taken from the crime scene and matched Juarez’s.”
–Rocky Pipkin of the Pipkin Detective Agency
Pipkin, speaking on Friday to KMJ’s Afternoon Drive, says his was the first private agency making a bust with Smart Water.
Pipkin says the Smart Water lasts for 3 to 5 years, even if you are washing.
The alleged thief got Smart Water on his car, even got it onto his burglary tools, then his shoes, and his clothing
On Thursday, February 9, 2023, Jorge Juarez Jr. was arrested for the theft of 4 catalytic converters from a Kern County farming organization by McFarland Police Department.
Juarez is currently in the Kern County Jail awaiting a hearing on 2/14/2023 with a bail of $71,000.00.
“Juarez purportedly has an extensive criminal record. Please see attached photographs of his contacts with law enforcement and current bail status. PDA Agents believe that Juarez is responsible for the theft of over 100 catalytic converters in the Kern and Tulare Counties with a total value of $200,000 or more. If anyone has any further information on Jorge Juarez Jr., please feel free to contact our office confidentially as there is still reward money available.”
Contact Rocky Pipkin at (559) 799-4406 for additional details.
–Rocky Pipkin of the Pipkin Detective Agency
Rocky Pipkin says there are steps to try and keep your catalytic converter from being stolen:
- Try to make sure your car is parked in the garage.
- Have a Ring camera.
Listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern.
