Texas toughens laws after catalytic converter thefts turn deadly
Texas has cracked down on catalytic converter theft after a rise in violent incidents linked to the crime. A new state law, introduced in 2023, now treats it as a standalone offence. The change followed the killing of a Harris County deputy during a theft two years earlier. The push for stricter penalties came after the 2022 slaying of Deputy Darren Almendarez. His death highlighted the dangers of catalytic converter theft, prompting lawmakers to act. Under the new rules, repeat offences can lead to a third-degree felony charge.
Courts have already handed down sentences of up to one year for convictions. Some defendants, however, have received probation or personal recognisance (PR) bonds. In one case, 17-year-old Damarion Harris was released on a PR bond after being charged. One repeat offender, Derrick Mouton, 26, is now wanted for four new theft charges while on parole. He had previously served two years in prison for possessing a machine gun, with two earlier catalytic converter theft charges dropped. The maximum penalty for the crime is now two years in a state jail.
The law change aims to deter thefts by increasing consequences for offenders. Judges now have clearer guidelines for sentencing, ranging from probation to jail time. Authorities continue to track suspects like Mouton as enforcement tightens.
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