Suspected Catalytic Converter Thief Caught in Metro Atlanta

Lost ID and other belongings at crime scene lead police to suspect

Apr. 7, 2026 at 3:18pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a damaged catalytic converter, its metal surface and internal components visible in stark detail against a pitch-black background, conveying the serious, investigative nature of this property crime.A damaged catalytic converter, the target of a growing number of property crimes, is captured in a stark, investigative photographic style.Newnan Today

A suspected catalytic converter thief was arrested in Newnan, Georgia after police found several of his personal items, including an ID, at the scene of the crime. The victim noticed their delivery truck's catalytic converter had been stolen, and when police arrived, they discovered the suspect's belongings. After contacting the suspect, he initially denied involvement but later declined to explain the inconsistencies in his story.

Why it matters

Catalytic converter theft has become a growing problem across the country, with thieves targeting the valuable metal components. This case highlights how even small pieces of evidence can help police track down and apprehend suspected criminals in these types of property crimes.

The details

According to the Newnan Police Department, Jacob True Scott is accused of stealing the catalytic converter from a delivery truck belonging to a local business. The victims noticed the odd noise coming from the truck and discovered the converter had been cut out and stolen. When police arrived, they found Scott's photo ID, a hat, and a hotel key card at the scene. After running his license, police learned Scott had a history of theft incidents. They contacted him, and he initially denied involvement but later declined to explain the inconsistencies in his story, at which point he was arrested and charged.

  • The incident occurred on an unspecified date in the past.
  • Police found Scott's belongings at the crime scene weeks earlier.

The players

Jacob True Scott

A suspected catalytic converter thief who was arrested after police found his personal belongings at the crime scene.

Newnan Police Department

The law enforcement agency that investigated the catalytic converter theft and apprehended the suspect.

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What they’re saying

“He denied having information about it, but confirmed having gotten a new hotel key card, saying he had lost the one police found at the crime scene.”

— Jacob True Scott, Suspect

“Police told him there were inconsistencies with his story, 'due to the fact that Scott had only been staying at the Red Roof Inn for a week,' but the items found were at the crime scene weeks earlier.”

— Newnan Police Department, Law Enforcement

What’s next

Scott was charged and taken into custody before being transported to the Coweta County Jail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of even small pieces of evidence in helping police solve property crimes like catalytic converter theft, which have become increasingly common. The suspect's own belongings left at the scene ultimately led to his arrest, demonstrating how diligent investigation and attention to detail can help hold criminals accountable.