Rafael Davila, known as “Robbin Hood,” of Springfield, MA, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for leading a theft ring responsible for substantial property theft across Massachusetts, including catalytic converter thefts from nearly 500 vehicles, jewelry store burglaries and ATM heists.
Davila pleaded guilty in April to multiple federal charges, including conspiracy to transport stolen property and money laundering.
Officials noted a marked decrease in catalytic converter thefts, a central element of Davila's operations, following his arrest. Prior to his capture, the region saw hundreds of incidents over a nine-month period, which plummeted to just nine in the 18 months post-arrest.
Davila, 34, was also mandated to forfeit assets acquired through his criminal enterprises, including luxury vehicles and recreational equipment such as jet skis. Additionally, the court ordered him to pay restitution of approximately $157,000 and complete 75 hours of community service.
Prosecutors estimated the total losses due to Davila’s crimes at about $2 million, affecting more than 300 victims ranging from automotive businesses to vulnerable individuals. Each stolen catalytic converter, prized for their precious metals, fetched more than $1,000 on the black market, but cost the victims between $5,000 and $10,000 to replace.
In addition to vehicle-related thefts, Davila confessed to stealing from ATMs and committing burglaries at two New Hampshire jewelry stores.
Davila is the fourth defendant sentenced in this case; three more co-defendants are awaiting their sentencing. This case underscores a robust response to the surge in catalytic converter thefts, a national issue driven by the high market value of the metals contained within.
More than 70 local police departments across Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Connecticut worked together to dismantle Davila's operation.
