Scrap Yard co-owner pleads guilty in auto theft case

GRETNA, La. (AP) — The Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office says a scrap yard owner has pleaded guilty to racketeering and conspiracy charges in connection with a parish auto theft ring.

In a news release, District Attorney Paul Connick’s office says 48-year-old Harry Sorrell of Slidell entered the plea Thursday morning and was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Prosecutors said Sorrell was co-owner of a scrap yard with an unindicted co-conspirator. Vehicles that were stolen by members of the theft ring were crushed there — eliminating evidence and providing scrap metal for sale.

So far, six defendants have admitted guilt in the racketeering case. Connick’s office says the ring is believed responsible for nearly a third of auto thefts in Jefferson Parish in recent years.

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