Wayland man charged in catalytic converter thefts

NORTH DANSVILLE – A Wayland man is facing multiple felony charges in connection with an investigation begun in 2022 into the thefts of several catalytic converters from vehicles at a business on McWorther Road, reports the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office.

Stephen R. Zeh, 28, was located at a residence in the village of Geneseo on July 28 and taken into custody on multiple felony-level warrants.

The investigation alleges that in November 2022, Zeh removed several catalytic converters from a business in North Dansville. The investigation also alleges that on Dec. 11, 2022, Zeh removed two catalytic converters and gas from a vehicle parked at an address on Nunda Byserville Road in the town of West Sparta, the Sheriff’s Office said.

For the North Dansville investigation, Zehr was charged with six counts of third-degree criminal mischief, a class E felony; six counts of second-degree auto stripping, a class E Felony; six counts of petit larceny, and fourth-degree criminal mischief.

At the time of the November investigation, Zeh could not be located so an arrest warrant was issued from Livingston County Superior Court.

The third-degree criminal mischief charge is indicative of damage exceeding $250. A conviction on the charge may bring four years in state prison, five years probation, or fines and restitution, according to state penal law.

A person is guilty of second-degree auto stripping if they remove or intentionally destroy, deface, disguise, or alter any part of two or more vehicles, other than abandoned vehicles, without the permission of the owner, and the value of the parts exceeds an aggregate value of one thousand dollars, according to state penal law.

In the West Sparta investigation, Zehr was charged with second-degree criminal mischief, a class D felony; fourth-degree grand larceny, a class E felony; petit larceny, and third-degree auto stripping.

A second-degree criminal mischief charge is indicative of damage of more than $1,500. The charge is punishable by up to seven years in state prison and significant fines, according to state penal law.

A fourth-degree grand larceny charge is indicative of a theft values between $1,000 and $3,000.

A person is guilty of third-degree auto stripping if they remove or intentionally destroy or deface any part of an abandoned vehicle without authorization or permission. The charge is a class A misdemeanor.

Zehr was again unable to be located, so an arrest warrant was issued by Livingston County Superior Court.

Following his arrest, Zehr was turned over to Central Booking deputies at Livingston County Jail for processing and pre-arraignment detention. The District Attorney’s Office recommended that Zeh be held awaiting arraignment in Livingston County Superior Court due to felony warrants being issued by Livingston County Superior Court and a local court justice cannot set bail.

Zeh was later arraigned at Livingston County Superior Court before Livingston County Court Judge Jennifer Noto, who remanded Zeh to the custody of the Sheriff without bail.

The Livingston County Public Defender’s Office represented Zeh at his arraignment. The District Attorney’s Office was also present at the arraignment.

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