The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania has announced the sentencing of Leon Martin and Frock Brothers Trucking, Inc. for conspiracy and violations of the Clean Air Act. U.S. District Court Judge Julia K. Munley sentenced Martin, a 42-year-old resident of Lititz, PA, to two years of probation with a three-month home curfew and a $500,000 fine. Frock Brothers Trucking, Inc., based in New Oxford, PA, received a sentence of two years' probation and an $80,000 fine.
Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus reported that Martin worked as a mechanic at a diesel repair shop in Ephrata, PA. From 2018 through October 2023, he provided services to alter engine control modules (ECMs) on diesel trucks. These modifications tampered with emissions diagnostic systems to prevent monitoring by the system software.
In late 2018, Martin collaborated with Frock Brothers Trucking to tamper with emission control hardware on eight diesel vehicles owned by the company. This activity violated the Clean Air Act as it was intended to gain economic benefits such as reduced repair costs and improved fuel economy.
Frock Brothers removed ECMs from their vehicles and sent them to Martin for reprogramming before reinstalling them on their trucks. This led to excess emissions being released into the atmosphere.
Allison Landsman, EPA-CID Special Agent in Charge stated: “Tampering with required emissions monitoring devices in heavy duty vehicles results in a significant increase in air pollution.” She added that this sentencing shows accountability for environmental law violations.
The Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigations Division conducted the investigation while Assistant U.S. Attorney William Behe prosecuted the case.