Rochester Area Catalytic Converter Thief to Pay $24K Restitution

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Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - A man who was considered the suspect for a large portion of the catalytic converter thefts that were taking place in the Rochester area several years ago has been sentenced to six months on probation for his latest conviction.

38-year-old Shawn Clement, who has spent 489 days in jail since his arrest in the case, was also ordered to pay $24,000 in restitution. The Dodge Center man’s sentencing order also includes a stayed 23-month prison term that he could be ordered to serve if his probation is unsuccessful.

Clement entered into a plea agreement last month just before he was scheduled to stand trial for a second time on charges stemming from the theft of multiple catalytic converters from a business near the Rochester Airport in 2021. His previous trial on the charges last year ended when an Olmsted County judge declared a mistrial because the jury was unable to reach a verdict.

Under the terms of his plea agreement, Clement admitted to a felony count of receiving stolen property in exchange for the dismissal of a felony theft charge and a felony count of criminal damage to property.

He was previously convicted of charges connected to the thefts of nearly a dozen catalytic converters from Camping World and Hilltop Trailer Sales in Oronoco. Clement was given a 23-month prison sentence in that case.

At the time of his arrest in 2021, the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office indicated the investigation into Clement’s activities uncovered evidence that linked him to dozens of catalytic converter thefts across southeastern Minnesota, Iowa, and the Twin Cities area.
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