Shaquan Jelks, Conspiracy to Defraud the United States and Related Offenses, Texas 2024

A Texas man has been charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States and related offenses in connection with alleged operation of trucking companies. Shaquan Jelks, 48, of Houston, Texas, was ordered not to operate commercial trucking companies by a federal court and by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

According to court documents, Jelks managed and controlled multiple commercial trucking companies despite being ordered to stop. The indictment alleges that he repeatedly lied to and obstructed the FMCSA, including after a driver for his companies was killed in a single-vehicle crash in February 2022.

The indictment also alleges that Jelks relied on fraud to finance his illegal trucking companies, including by diverting money fraudulently obtained from the Paycheck Protection Program. The indictment against Jelks alleges conspiracy to defraud the United States, obstruction of a federal agency, and false statements.

“Individuals who impair, impede, or obstruct the lawful functions of the FMCSA make our roads and highways less safe,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate of the Civil Division. “The Department will continue to work closely with the Department of Transportation and our law enforcement partners to protect drivers on our roads and highways.”

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Jelks' case is being investigated by the Department of Transportation's Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

“Motorists have a right to expect that the commercial trucks on their roadways—which weigh tens of thousands of pounds or more—are safely maintained and operated,” said U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei for the Southern District of Texas. “By prosecuting those that undermine this expectation of safety, DOJ and DOT are simultaneously keeping our roadways safe and maintaining public confidence.”

Shaquan Jelks, 48, of Houston, Texas, is currently charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States and related offenses. The case is ongoing, and no sentence has been given at this time.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/texas-man-charged-conspiracy-defraud-united-states-and-related-offenses-connection-alleged