MONROE — A trio of area residents are accused of multiple felonies in connection with the repeated thefts of catalytic converters from various Green County and Monroe locations.

In one such crime, they allegedly took a converter from a snow plow located at New Glarus Woods State Park.

They also are suspected in additional, similar crimes in Lafayette, Rock and Dane counties. The group would use a reciprocating saw to cut off the converters, which would then be sold to a scrap dealer in Freeport, according to the criminal complaint.

A court hearing before Circuit Judge Thomas Vale was held on Monday for one of the suspects, Brandy M. Williams, 41, of Browntown. A second suspect, Timothy James Decker, 42, of Verona, was scheduled for a hearing on the charges but could not attend, as he is in custody in Rock County, officials said. A defense attorney appeared on his behalf in Green County on Monday.

The third suspect is Christopher T. Odair, 45, of Browntown. Odair also is charged with resisting a police officer and obstructing an officer.

Together, the trio are charged with multiple counts of theft of major parts of a motor vehicle. They also were each charged with a felony count of burglary.

“The burglary charge is because they allegedly went into one of the buildings to take the catalytic converter from a vehicle,” said District Attorney Craig Nolen. 

Among the thefts reportedly attributed to the three include the theft of two converters from the parking lot of a Madison hotel, additional converters from a location on Wis. 69, another from a box truck in Evansville, from a box truck in the city of Monroe, and a from camper in Green County. What’s more, additional thefts have allegedly occurred in Lafayette, Sauk and Rock Counties.

“All (law enforcement) contacts have been provided the case summary and have started their own investigations,” in the other jurisdictions, said a criminal complaint.

Decker and Williams also bought methamphetamine from someone at the same Madison hotel where the converters were taken, according to a criminal complaint, but have not been charged with any drug crimes.

Williams is free on a signature bond and is due in court again on the charge on Feb. 21. Decker remains in Rock County Jail on $500 bond, and also is scheduled to appear again on Feb. 21. Odair is free on a signature bond, according to court records.

Authorities are continuing to investigate, authorities said.