Theft ringleader's role as mother of 3 spares her prison sentence, judge says

A judge said Monday he had little choice but to offer leniency to an Indiana County woman who pleaded guilty earlier this year for her role in a series of catalytic converter thefts throughout Westmoreland County.

Common Pleas Judge Scott Mears said the prospect of having three young children placed in foster care outweighed the need to incarcerate the woman police claimed was the ringleader of the group responsible for nearly $140,000 in equipment stolen from vehicles over the past year.

“I almost think I have to give this defendant a lenient sentence although I am not sure she deserves it,” Mears said during a hearing for Debbra Lynn McAdams of Homer City. “There is no reason to sentence the defendant to anything less than state prison except the defendant’s life is the not the only life affected. There are three little girls with no place to go so I am going to show mercy to the children. I don’t know if the defendant deserves mercy, but those children do.”

McAdams, who according to court records has dozens of prior convictions for theft and other offenses dating back two decades, is the adoptive mother of three young girls, ages 4, 10 and 11. She told the judge there are no other family members who can care for the children if she were to go to prison.

“I am really trying to change. I have three beautiful little girls, and I need them as much as they needed me when my husband died. I just want to continue taking care of them. I promise you I will never be before you again. I just want an opportunity,” McAdams said.

Mears ordered McAdams to serve seven years on probation including a 33-month period on house arrest. She was ordered to undergo a psychological evaluation and treatment.

Westmoreland County Assistant District Attorney Steven Reddy said the prosecution proposed a two- to four-year prison sentence as part of a plea deal rejected last year by McAdams. Reddy did not propose a new sentence after McAdams pleaded guilty in February to charges of theft, receiving stolen property, criminal mischief and criminal use of a communication facility.

McAdams and three men were charged last year in connection with the catalytic converter thefts between September and November 2022 from multiple locations in Indiana and Westmoreland counties. Police said devices were stolen from vehicles at locations that included Pinnacle Auto Sales in Unity, Hillview Motors in Hempfield and other local auto dealerships and contracting and landscaping companies.

William J. Glover III, 26, of New Florence and Steven R. Aukerman, 29, of Blairsville previously pleaded guilty for their role in the thefts. Glover last year was sentenced to six to 23 months in the Westmoreland County Prison followed by five years of probation. Aukerman was ordered to serve nine to 23 months in the county jail followed by five years of probation.

The case against a fourth man charged, Vince L. Skillings, 45, of Jeannette, is pending.

According to police, the theft ring was busted after Skillings was spotted a short distance from thefts reported at Valero Century RV Mega Center in Salem. He told investigators he had been paid to serve as a lookout for Aukerman and that McAdams had planned the thefts and served as the driver. Police said Aukerman is McAdams’ nephew.

Catalytic converters are made of precious metals including platinum, palladium and rhodium and can fetch large sums at scrap yards that accept them. The devices control exhaust emissions.

McAdams was ordered to pay more than $138,000 in restitution to 23 theft victims.