Woman pleads guilty in catalytic converter theft ring targeting Westmoreland, Indiana counties

An Indiana County woman pleaded guilty Monday to involvement in a catalytic converter theft ring, and attorneys indicated another suspect may do the same.

Debbra Lynn McAdams, 56, of Homer City entered a general plea to theft, receiving stolen property, criminal mischief and criminal use of a communication facility.

Two of McAdams’ co-defendants — William J. Glover III, 25, of New Florence and Steven R. Aukerman, 27, of Blairsville — already have pleaded guilty, Assistant District Attorney Steven Reddy said. A fourth case against Vince L. Skillings, 44, of Jeannette remains pending.

“This case likely will not be a trial. It’ll likely be a plea,” said Skillings’ attorney, Jaclyn Shaw.

The four were arrested by state police on accusations they stole catalytic converters from locations in Indiana and Westmoreland counties between September and November 2022. Judge Scott Mears read a long list of victims involved in McAdams’ case, which included Pinnacle Auto Sales in Unity, Hillview Motors in Hempfield and other local auto dealerships and contracting and landscaping companies.

Mears said the losses were estimated at $115,600. McAdams will be sentenced at a later date.

Troopers reported in court papers catching Skillings a short distance from thefts reported at Valero Century RV Mega Center in Salem. He told investigators he had been paid to serve as a lookout for Aukerman and that McAdams had planned the thefts and served as the driver. Police said Aukerman is McAdams’ nephew.

Catalytic converters are made of precious metals including platinum, palladium and rhodium and can fetch large sums at scrap yards that accept them. The devices control exhaust emissions. They can be cut from underneath vehicles in moments, and such thefts have increased in recent years nationwide. It can cost about $1,000 to replace one.

Glover pleaded guilty in May and was sentenced to six to 23 months in the Westmoreland County Prison followed by five years of probation. Aukerman pleaded guilty in November and was sentenced to nine to 23 months in the county jail followed by five years of probation.