A Shipshewana couple accused of illegally dealing in stolen catalytic converters has been sentenced in Elkhart County Circuit Court.

Brian and Amy Howard, owners of Howard Salvaging in Bristol, were originally charged with business corruption after investigators uncovered hundreds of catalytic converters police believed were stolen.

Court records say many of the converters had been cut at both ends, and investigators alleged the business knowingly bought the parts without proper identification or paperwork.

The Goshen News says during sentencing Thursday, both apologized and said they have changed business practices to comply with state law.

The couple received reduced misdemeanor convictions for criminal trespass and one year of probation. The state has agreed to return the items in question.