Oklahoma City – James Love, owner and operator of Southwest Diesel Service, has been sentenced to twelve months of probation and a $10,000 fine for illegally modifying heavy-duty diesel trucks to bypass emissions controls, according to court records unsealed this week. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Criminal Investigation Division, reveals a deliberate scheme to disable pollution-reducing equipment and deceive regulatory oversight.
Between February 2015 and April 2019, Love directed employees at his Oklahoma City garage to remove key components of the trucks’ emissions control systems. These included diesel particulate filters (DPFs), designed to trap harmful soot, and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems, which reduce nitrogen oxide emissions. Rather than repairing or replacing these vital parts, Love allegedly ordered their complete removal or permanent disabling through physical alterations – specifically, plating the EGR systems.
The scheme didn’t stop at physical modifications. Love also instructed others to reprogram the vehicles’ onboard diagnostic (OBD) systems. This tampering effectively masked the alterations from emissions testing, preventing the trucks from registering the increased pollutants they were releasing into the atmosphere. Sources close to the investigation suggest the modifications allowed the trucks to continue operating on public roads while in blatant violation of federal environmental regulations.
Statutes Violated and Penalties
Love was found to have violated 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(2)(C) of the Clean Air Act, a federal law designed to protect and improve the nation’s air quality. This specific section of the Act prohibits the tampering with, or defeating the design of, any device or system installed on a motor vehicle to comply with emissions standards. The penalty for this offense includes a maximum fine of $25,000 per vehicle tampered with, as well as imprisonment. While Love avoided jail time, the $10,000 fine represents a significant, though arguably minimal, consequence given the potential environmental impact.
Impact and Investigation
The EPA estimates that the modified trucks released substantial amounts of harmful pollutants, contributing to respiratory problems and other health issues in affected communities. The investigation, which spanned several years, involved undercover operations, forensic analysis of the modified vehicles, and interviews with former employees of Southwest Diesel Service. Investigators say Love’s actions were driven by profit, allowing him to offer cheaper ‘performance’ modifications to trucking companies willing to skirt environmental regulations.
Key Facts
- Defendant: James Love
- Business: Southwest Diesel Service (Oklahoma City, OK)
- Timeframe of Offense: February 2015 – April 2019
- Violated Law: 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(2)(C) – Clean Air Act
- Modifications: Removal of DPFs and EGRs, OBD reprogramming
- Penalty: 12 months probation, $10,000 fine
The case serves as a warning to others in the diesel repair industry that tampering with emissions control systems will not be tolerated. The EPA continues to prioritize enforcement actions against individuals and businesses who prioritize profit over public health and environmental protection. GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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