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L.I. Man Accused Of Stealing Catalytic Converters

WEST BABYLON, N.Y. (AP) -- A Long Island man is accused of stealing catalytic converters from cars parked at train stations, shopping malls and hospitals.

Robert Elliott pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Friday. He faces nine felony counts of grand larceny and criminal mischief and one count of possession of burglar's tools. Bail was set at $50,000.

His attorney did not immediately return a telephone message seeking comment.

Police say the unemployed 24-year-old West Babylon suspect worked quickly and quietly, using a battery-operated saw to steal the devices. He also is suspected of one attempted theft.

Authorities say the converters, worth $1,200 or more, are valuable for their platinum, palladium, and rhodium and can be sold for scrap.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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