Three Companies Charged With Emission Device Tampering

Federal authorities in Michigan have charged three companies — including a truckload carrier — and 11 individuals in an aftermarket scheme to disable the emissions control systems of hundreds of diesel semi-trucks.

Nearly all of the 11 individuals accused in the conspiracy to dismantle diesel emission-control devices have pleaded guilty in the ongoing investigation by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan.

Those charged for violating the federal Clean Air Act include the owner and various employees of Diesel Freak of Gaylord, and Accurate Truck Service and Griffin Transportation Inc., both of Grand Rapids.

Griffin provides dedicated truckload and logistics services to customers with dry van freight needs.

Prosecutors said Accurate Truck Service removed or altered the hardware components of vehicles with heavy-duty diesel engines, components that controlled the vehicles’ emissions. Diesel Freak reprogrammed the engine computers of the vehicles so they would continue to function even after the hardware was removed or altered.