LIMESTONE COUNTY-The Limestone County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement concerning The buying and selling of catalytic converters in Limestone County:“Many of you have expressed concerns about the business, “L & C Converters” located at 25730 US HWY 72 Athens, AL 35613. The business operates as a secondary metal recycler purchasing catalytic converters. Per Alabama law, it is unlawful for a secondary metals recycler to purchase catalytic converters that are not part of an entire motor vehicle. However, if a copy of verifiable documentation, in addition to a signed statement is
Jimmy Lee Free Jr.
provided to the secondary metals recycler proving that the seller is the owner, then it is permissible. Failure to comply with this law is a Class B Felony and could result in up to 20 years in prison.
On July 21, 2022, The Limestone County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division and the Narcotics Unit conducted
Gary Joseph Swearinger
another operation to stop the theft of converters from vehicles in Limestone County. Investigators conducted surveillance on L & C Converters and observed converters being exchanged for cash. Captain Caleb Durden and Investigator Steven Ferguson observed several individuals completing transactions with the business owner, Jimmy Lee Free Jr. Upon viewing Gary Joseph Swearinger delivering converters to Free, Capt. Durden and Inv. Ferguson made contact with them at the business. Swearinger had a warrant with Athens Police Department and was detained. The LCSO Narcotics Unit responded and found Swearinger to be in possession of marijuana, Methamphemtamine, pills, and Fentanyl. Investigators found 36 catalytic converters in plain view. Free failed to have documentation for any of the converters. Probable cause was found to arrest Free and Swearinger.
