A married couple in Washington allegedly made over half a million dollars by illegally modifying hundreds of diesel trucks through their auto shop businesses. The changes caused the vehicles to emit pollutants at levels exceeding legal limits, according to The Tacoma News Tribune.
Sean and Tracy Coiteux, owners of Racing Performance Maintenance Northwest in Ridgefield and RPM Motors and Sales NW in Woodland, were sentenced on Nov. 4 in Tacoma federal court. Despite prosecutors’ requests for prison time, the couple received probation, according to court records.
Prosecutors said the couple tampered with pollution control software in at least 375 diesel trucks between January 2018 and January 2021. Employees at their direction removed pollution control systems and modified software to bypass pollution monitoring.
The businesses allegedly performed more illegal modifications than any other diesel repair shop charged in the U.S. They argued that the couple profited from polluting the air, living a lavish lifestyle in a 5,700-square-foot home with luxury amenities.
Sean Coiteux pleaded guilty to violating the Clean Air Act in March, while Tracy Coiteux was convicted of conspiracy and 11 felony counts in May. Both were sentenced to four years of probation, fined $10,000, and ordered to wear GPS monitors and remain at home for four months, except for work, religious, or medical reasons.
An expert testified at Tracy Coiteux’s trial that diesel trucks are often modified to reduce maintenance costs or increase horsepower. The 375 trucks tampered with by the Coiteuxs were estimated to emit as much hazardous exhaust as 127,500 compliant trucks.
Prosecutors had sought a six-month prison sentence and a $75,000 fine for Sean Coiteux, arguing his actions were calculated to increase profits. They also recommended a one-year prison sentence for Tracy Coiteux, accusing her of perjury during her trial.
The judge ordered the couple to complete 60 hours of community service. A sentencing hearing for their businesses, which pleaded guilty to violating the Clean Air Act, is scheduled for Dec. 19.