According to court documents filed March 19th, 2026, Katherine R. Mock, 46, of Girardville, has been charged with theft of a catalytic converter (felony of the third degree) and criminal mischief (misdemeanor of the second degree) stemming from an incident on August 29, 2025.
Police say the incident occurred around 2:00 p.m. on the 200 block of B Street in Girardville Borough. Troopers were dispatched after a resident reported finding a woman underneath a vehicle cutting off the catalytic converter.
Upon arrival, troopers made contact with the vehicle’s owners along with Mock. Investigators reported observing a red Ford Escape lifted with a jack, while a reciprocating saw and extension cord were found nearby. The catalytic converter had already been partially cut.
According to the affidavit, Mock told police she had been asked by a man identified as Gene Klinger to remove the catalytic converter. She reportedly stated Klinger had attempted to remove it himself the day before but was unable to fit under the vehicle. Mock allegedly said Klinger instructed her where to cut and that she was expecting to be paid for the work.
The vehicle’s owner told police she heard a noise coming from outside her garage and discovered Mock underneath the vehicle actively cutting the catalytic converter. The owner stated the converter had been cut through but was still attached.
Investigators noted two white lines on the catalytic converter consistent with Mock’s explanation of where she had been instructed to cut.
Damage estimates provided later placed repair costs at $2,459.71, while the catalytic converter itself was valued at $1,104.29.
As of this posting, Mock has not yet been arraigned on the charges.