2025 Session Last amended: 2023 session

§ 609.526 — Precious Metal and Scrap Metal Dealers; Receiving Stolen Property

Plain-Language Summary

A precious metal dealer or scrap metal dealer, or anyone they employ, commits a crime by receiving, possessing, transferring, buying, or concealing stolen property or property obtained by robbery or carjacking when they know or have reason to know it was stolen or so obtained. Penalties depend on the value of the property: up to ten years in prison and a $50,000 fine if the value is $1,000 or more, up to three years and a $25,000 fine if the value is more than $500 but less than $1,000, and up to 90 days and a $1,000 fine if the value is $500 or less. A person convicted a second or subsequent time within one year may be sentenced under the highest penalty tier.

Practical Notes
This law targets metal dealers who buy stolen metals, a market often used by thieves who strip copper wiring, catalytic converters, and similar items. The penalty rises with the value of the property involved, and repeat offenders within a one-year period face the top penalty tier.