(Credit: Bucks County DA Office)
We are proud to announce that a prestigious award was presented to a dedicated group of Bucks County prosecutors and detectives who last year helped dismantle a multi-million-dollar organized criminal enterprise that specialized in the theft of catalytic converters throughout the Delaware Valley region.
Deputy District Attorney Edward Furman Jr., Chief Deputy District Attorney Jovin Jose, Deputy District Attorney Megan A. Hunsicker, Detective Tim Johnson and Detective Richard Munger were honored with the 2024 Investigator of the Year Award presented by the International Association of Special Investigations Units, Delaware Valley Chapter.
The award was announced during a banquet hosted by the International Association of Special Investigations Units (IASIU) and the Pennsylvania Auto Crime Investigators Association on Dec. 4, in Philadelphia.
They received this honor due to their extraordinary work in a nearly yearlong investigation that culminated in June 2023 with the charging of a Philadelphia tow yard, along with 11 adult individuals and one juvenile.
“I am so proud of this team and what they accomplished,” District Attorney Jennifer Schorn said. “This case did not just dismantle a criminal enterprise but sent a clear message to those who knowingly deal in stolen goods that we will use every resource to identify then prosecute you. We are grateful for all of the agencies that helped us to achieve these results, and I am thankful for the International Association of Special Investigations Units for recognizing this team and the excellent work they did.”
Three dozen local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in Bucks County, Montgomery County, Delaware County, Philadelphia, and New Jersey took part in this collaborative investigation, leading to a Bucks County Investigating Grand Jury recommending charges of corrupt organizations, criminal conspiracy, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity, and related charges against most of the organization.
Prior to the investigation, the theft of catalytic converters had skyrocketed in Bucks County and surrounding counties because of the money they can fetch at scrap yards.
Following the takedown of this ring, reports of catalytic converters thefts went down considerably, thanks largely to the work done by this investigative team.
We would like to thank Deputy DAs Edward Furman and Megan Hunsicker, Chief Deputy DA Jovin Jose, Detectives Tim Johnson and Rick Munger and all our law enforcement partners who participated in this extensive investigation, which is already showing results that make our communities safer.
