United States Attorney Cole Finegan | U.S. Department of Justice
The United States Attorney's Office for the District of Colorado announced that Elite Diesel Service Inc. and its owner, Troy Lake Sr., have been sentenced for conspiring to violate the Clean Air Act. This sentencing comes after both parties pleaded guilty to disabling emissions control systems on heavy-duty trucks across the nation.
From January 2017 to December 2020, Elite Diesel Service and Lake instructed employees to disable the onboard diagnostic systems on over 344 commercial trucks. These actions violated the Clean Air Act, which mandates monitoring devices on vehicles to ensure proper function of emissions control hardware.
Disabling these controls led to significant pollution increases: at least 1,300 tons of nitrogen oxides, 30 tons of non-methane hydrocarbons, 600 tons of carbon monoxide, and 30 tons of particulate matter were released into the environment. The World Health Organization links diesel exhaust with lung cancer and respiratory diseases.
Troy Lake Sr. received a sentence of one year and one day in custody alongside a $2,500 fine. Elite Diesel Service was placed on five years probation with a $37,500 fine. Additionally, they must contribute $12,500 to a Colorado program assisting low-income vehicle owners with emissions compliance.
Acting United States Attorney Matt Kirsch stated: “These violations of the Clean Air Act affected the health of people in Colorado and across the nation.” Special Agent Lance Ehrig added: "Today’s sentencing demonstrates that individuals and companies who violate our nation’s environmental laws will be held criminally responsible."
Judge Regina Rodriguez issued these sentences on December 5, 2024. Eight other co-conspirators had been previously sentenced for their involvement in this case.
