Sinister Mfg. Company, Inc., which operates as Sinister Diesel, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the Clean Air Act (CAA) and attempting to defraud the United States. From 2010-2020, Sinister manufactured and sold parts designed to remove or disable trucks’ emissions control systems. As part of the agreement, the diesel parts manufacturer will implement a compliance program and will no longer manufacture, sell, or install any device that defeats a vehicle’s emissions controls. Sinister has agreed to pay $500,000 in criminal fines and $500,000 under the civil consent decree. The company will have to implement a training program and notify its distributors and former customers about the settlement.
In a recent quote, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert for the Eastern District of California said, “Sinister Diesel sold products that allowed drivers to strip the emissions controls from their trucks, causing a dramatic increase in the release of pollutants that worsen air quality and harm the quality of life. Environmental laws that control diesel pollution are especially important to protect sensitive populations such as the young, the elderly and people who suffer from respiratory conditions. My Office will continue to vigorously prosecute those who place profit above the public’s health and the environment.”