VISALIA, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A 53-year-old man from Sacramento was sentenced in Tulare County Superior Court for a series of catalytic converters thefts in Visalia, the Tulare County District Attorney said. The thefts were from utility trucks parked in an AT&T in Visalia and took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, between March 2020 and September 2020 - and again in July 2021. According to the DA's office, 53-year-old Sean Michael Pelton was sentenced to 15 years in custody and restitution. Pelton was convicted of theft in November 2024.  “Let this sentence serve as a warning to other would-be thieves,” said Tulare County District Attorney Tim Ward. “Although the crime itself may be considered “non-violent” by our legislature, my office will recognize these impacts to our community and will do everything in our power to ensure this career criminal and anyone who would follow in his footsteps are removed from society and not able to re-victimize.” According to the DA's office, Pelton used bolt cutters to cut holes in the AT&T yard’s security fence - ultimately taking 73 catalytic converters. The thefts significantly affected the company's fleet, making it difficult for technicians to reach customers. Officials say Pelton had over 20 prior felony convictions, primarily for theft, burglary, and vandalism across California. As part of his sentence, Pelton was ordered to pay restitution of $132,993.68.  The DA says Pelton was sentenced to 20 non-concurrent months in three additional cases for similar crimes in Amador, Sacramento, and Fresno counties. Restitution was ordered at $236,031.44 in those cases.