Joliet Catalytic Converter Defendant May Lose Wagon Trailer

Joliet IL

07 March, 2022

1:38 PM

Description

JOLIET, IL — A 47-year-old downtown Joliet resident accused of stealing several catalytic converters from automobiles now faces the prospect of having his 1999 GMC Sonoma truck and his handmade single axle wagon trailer become forfeited assets for the police. The Will County State's Attorney Office has opened a civil forfeiture case against David Walton. A resident of the 500 block of North Chicago Street, Walton was arrested by Joliet police on Jan. 27. His bail remains set at $200,000, and he can't come up with the necessary 10 percent to regain his freedom while awaiting his criminal trial. According to Friday's forfeiture complaint, Joliet police were sent to the 500 block of North Chicago Street after receiving a call that three men were taking a catalytic converter off a vehicle parked in front of the building. At the scene, Walton told Joliet police he was replacing long pipes off of the vehicles he was working on, according to court records. Meanwhile, Joliet police talked to Amber Wilkins, Walton's roommate, and she gave officers permission to search their residence. "Officers observed a catalytic converter in the bathtub in the west bathroom and two catalytic converters in the kitchen," the forfeiture stated. Officers found a fourth catalytic converter in the bed of the 1999 GMC Sonoma parked on the south side of the building on North Chicago Street, court records show. "Additionally, two Saw-Alls and an electric brushing tool were located in the living room and an electric cutting tool was located on the floor of the bedroom," the forfeiture revealed. "It should be noted that these tools are often used to facilitate the theft of catalytic converters." Later, Joliet police interviewed a victim on Cass Street who told officers his vehicle had its catalytic converter removed. "Upon reviewing video footage, officers observed a vehicle matching the 1999 GMC Sonoma, with attached handmade single axle wagon trailer, on the property," court files show. The forfeiture court hearing for Walton is set for April 13. Related Patch coverage: 2 Catalytic Converter Thieves Busted By Joliet Police: Cops