FALLS CITY – Citing numerous victims and no chance for restitution, District Judge Julie Smith sentenced a St. Joseph, Mo., man to prison for theft and attempted theft of catalytic converters from vehicles.

David Sprague Jr. was arrested along with five others for his role in a theft crew that reportedly damaged vehicles in Missouri, Iowa and Nebraska.

The Richardson County Sheriff’s Office says an investigation spanning six months included more than 11 incidents of catalytic converts being cut from vehicles and three trucks stolen.

Sprague was sentenced for what was described as taking control of Chevy Silverado without permission. Sheriff Rick Hardesty said an investigation into that theft helped law enforcement bring an end to the theft crew’s operations.

Judge Smith said since Sprague is already incarcerated in Missouri and he has no ability to pay, restitution was not an issue on Tuesday. She noted that he is the only co-defendant in the case with six convictions.

As part of a plea agreement, Richardson County Attorney Samantha Scheitel remained silent at sentencing.

Sprague will be eligible for parole in 18 months and will qualify to jam out in 36 months.

An affidavit says the theft crew scouted out locations in Nebraska City and Auburn and vehicles belonging to Meyer Home Center, the senior center and Falls City Care Center were damaged.

Sprague is charged in Nemaha County with theft in December of 2022. Investigators say a catalytic converter was taken from a postal vehicle.