A multi-county investigation into the theft of catalytic converters and diesel particulate filters from school buses has led to two arrests, with authorities continuing to seek additional suspects. The operation, which caused an estimated $2.7 million in damage and disrupted school transportation across South Carolina, impacted numerous counties, including Aiken County, which experienced multiple rounds of thefts.
The investigation was detailed at a news conference on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, held at the Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office. Edgefield County Sheriff Jody Rowland stated that investigators utilized surveillance footage, license plate reader technology, search warrants, and inter-agency information sharing to identify suspects and make arrests. Sheriff Rowland emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and more arrests are anticipated.
Andrew Ramon Kelley, 29, of Greenwood County, was charged on June 12 by the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office with multiple offenses. These include possession of implements for crime, two counts of criminal conspiracy, unlawfully obtaining nonferrous metals, grand larceny of $10,000 or more, intentional damage to property, petit larceny of $2,000 or less, furnishing contraband in a detention facility, damaging or tampering with a vehicle, and unlawful entry into enclosed places. Kelley is currently held on bond at the Orangeburg County Detention Center.
Jonathan Ward Fetrow-Smith, 28, also of Greenwood County, was charged on June 13 by the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office with receiving stolen goods valued between $2,000 and $10,000. Fetrow-Smith is also held on bond at the Greenwood County Detention Center.
The thefts began in March and spread across South Carolina. Specific incidents included 15 buses targeted in Anderson County, 10 in Abbeville, 10 in Laurens, 14 in Edgefield, 11 in Chester, seven in Lexington, and nine in Newberry. Orangeburg County also faced repeated attacks. The stolen catalytic converters and diesel particulate filters contain valuable metals. The damage extended beyond the cost of the parts, forcing school districts to reroute buses, find alternative student transportation, and absorb additional repair and labor expenses.
Sheriff Rowland highlighted the effectiveness of Flock license plate reader cameras in tracking suspect vehicle movements across jurisdictions, calling them lifesavers and property savers. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and various local agencies contributed to the investigation, which spanned six judicial circuits. Orangeburg County Sheriff Leroy Ravenell noted that increased security around school bus facilities in his county led to an arrest. Investigators later recovered 21 diesel particulate filters from a suspect’s home. Authorities are also examining evidence related to thefts involving utility companies.
State Schools Superintendent Ellen Weaver commended the law enforcement agencies, stating their efforts protected students and taxpayers. She noted that over 400,000 South Carolina students rely on school buses daily, making these thefts a significant disruption. Investigators are asking anyone with information about catalytic converter or DPF thefts to contact their local law enforcement agency or SLED directly at [email protected].
