On Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at approximately 7:00 a.m. detectives with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s (LASD) Major Crimes Bureau (MCB) Metal Theft Detail (MTD) and Metro Detail, conducted a search warrant at an unlicensed auto dismantling yard on the 400 block of East Pine Street in the city of Compton. Detectives developed information that the business was knowingly acquiring stolen copper and other non-ferrous metals.
During a search of the premises, several hundred pounds of suspected stolen copper utility and telecommunications wires were located, as well as bronze statues, plaques, and catalytic converters. The owner of the business, Gregorio Roberto (M/H/53) was contacted at the scene and ultimately arrested for Receiving Known Stolen Property, 496 P.C., a felony.
MCB detectives were assisted in this investigation by Compton Sheriff’s Station, Compton Fire Department, Compton Code Enforcement, and Compton Public Safety.
Recent years have seen a sharp rise in the reported theft of public utility & telecommunication wires, catalytic converters, public statues, fire hydrants, and other materials containing non-ferrous metal content. The thefts have risen as a result of the rising cost of precious metals. The theft of utility and telecommunications wires has negatively impacted public safety communications systems, hospitals, critical government infrastructure, and residential households alike.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department would like to remind the public to report suspicious activity to law enforcement. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google Play or the Apple App Store, or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org
Forwarded by:
Sheriff's Information Bureau
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
211 West Temple Street,
Los Angeles California 90012
213-229-1700
http://www.lasd.org
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Robert G. Luna, Sheriff
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
