The Sedalia Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Bureau, Crime Resolution Unit, the Detective Sergeant from the Pettis County Sheriff’s Office and deputies from the Cooper County Sheriff’s Office conducted two search warrants in reference to an ongoing investigation into the theft of catalytic converters in Sedalia at approximately 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 1.

According to the Sedalia Police Department, a search warrant was served at 508 West Main Street, a business allegedly purchasing catalytic converters to be recycled.

During the search investigators found cutoff catalytic converters – the catalyst which had been removed from the catalytic converters, cash and records.

Authorities say a search warrant was also served at 5162 Highway 135 in Otterville where investigators found cutoff catalytic converters stored outside and in a barn. A total of 107 cutoff catalytic converters were located at the two locations and seized by investigators.

The cooperative investigation effort between law enforcement and the Pettis and Cooper County Prosecuting Attorneys is ongoing.

Furthermore, authorities say the business at 508 West Main Street was determined to be in violation of Sedalia City Ordinance 36-96, Prohibition Against Maintaining a Nuisance Property. The business was posted with the notice of the violation, mandating the property owner to resolve the violations within 60 days.

Two persons were taken into custody and placed on 24-hour holds following the incident. Charges are pending for Felony of Stealing and Failure to Keep Required Records and Registers of Purchase.

Per KMMO policy, names will not be release until official charges have been filed.