Portland, OR – A Multnomah County man has been sentenced following a guilty plea to charges stemming from a scheme to defraud Oregon’s vehicle emissions testing program. Sergey Fesik, 43, deliberately circumvented mandatory inspections, allowing vehicles that likely would have failed to pass, according to court documents.
Between April 8, 2015, and November 19, 2015, Fesik, while conducting emissions inspections, substituted a fraudulent interface device. This device effectively overrode the vehicles’ onboard diagnostic systems, masking potential emission failures and providing false readings to state inspectors. The scheme involved nine separate vehicles, each subject to a manipulated inspection.
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) investigates such cases to ensure compliance with the state’s clean air standards. Tampering with emissions control devices is a serious offense, impacting air quality and public health. While the EPA wasn’t directly involved in the prosecution, the case highlights a growing concern over individuals attempting to bypass environmental regulations.
Legal Ramifications
On June 29, 2017, Fesik pleaded guilty to nine counts of Disconnection / Alteration of Pollution Control Device in Multnomah County Circuit Court. This violation falls under Oregon state law, specifically targeting the intentional disabling or alteration of equipment designed to reduce harmful emissions. The prosecution successfully argued that Fesik’s actions directly undermined the integrity of the state’s emissions testing program.
The sentencing, handed down by the Circuit Court, included 30 days of incarceration, to be served on weekends, and a 24-month probationary period. Fesik was also ordered to pay a $1,000 fine. Notably, the court did not order restitution, suggesting the financial impact of the fraud was not directly quantifiable or pursued by the state.
Looking Ahead
This case serves as a warning to others considering similar fraudulent activity. The Oregon DEQ continues to actively monitor and investigate potential violations of emissions standards. The department urges anyone with information regarding tampering with vehicle emissions controls to come forward. The incident raises questions about the vulnerability of emissions testing systems and whether further safeguards are needed to prevent future instances of fraud.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Sergey Fesik
- Location: Multnomah County, Oregon
- Dates of Offense: April 8, 2015 – November 19, 2015
- Crime: Disconnection / Alteration of Pollution Control Device
- Statutes Violated: Oregon State Law (Disconnection/Alteration of Pollution Control Device)
- Penalties: 30 days weekend incarceration, 24 months probation, $1,000 fine
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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