Couple Sentenced for Emissions Tampering in Diesel Trucks
A married couple from Washington State has received sentences for manipulating emissions monitoring systems on numerous diesel trucks, using the profits to support a lavish lifestyle.
Tracy Coiteux, 44, and Sean Coiteux, 50, were sentenced to four years of probation, four months of home confinement, 60 hours of community service, and each fined $10,000, as reported by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington.
The couple faced charges of conspiracy to breach the Clean Air Act and eleven specific infractions of this law in May 2021. Tracy Coiteux was found guilty following a jury trial in May 2024, while Sean Coiteux entered a guilty plea in March 2024.
The Coiteuxs co-owned Racing Performance Maintenance Northwest (RPM) along with a related entity, RPM Motors. They were accused of charging customers around $2,000 per truck to eliminate emissions control systems between January 2018 and November 2020, and making adjustments to the legally mandated software designed to regulate vehicle pollution levels. Additionally, during the sale of the trucks, they allegedly proposed to remove the emissions controls as part of the transaction.
In total, the couple reportedly “deleted” emissions systems from 375 diesel trucks, earning over $500,000 through these illegal modifications, which funded their extravagant 10-acre property featuring a saltwater pool and a garage filled with high-end exotic cars.
“The Coiteuxs removed pollution controls from approximately 375 trucks, allowing them to release substantial amounts of pollutants into the environment,” stated U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. “Their actions posed a threat to public health, contributing to conditions like cancer and respiratory diseases. Despite knowing the legality of their conduct and its environmental impact, they proceeded for personal gain, financing their estate and luxury items. The Department of Justice remains dedicated to holding business owners accountable for endangering community health.”
Special Agent in Charge Lance Ehrig of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division (EPA CID) in Washington remarked, “The defendants systematically violated the Clean Air Act by circumventing emissions control systems on over three hundred diesel trucks, leading to dangerous pollution levels linked to serious health issues. Today’s sentencing underscores that those who violate environmental laws and jeopardize public health will face criminal repercussions.”
The investigation was conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division.
