In August 2015, the Oregon State Police (OSP) received information from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) about an auto dealer that was suspected of using an emissions simulator to pass the DEQ vehicle emissions test. Surveillance of the business and videos from the DEQ vehicle inspection station identified individuals involved in the illegal operation. A total of 57 vehicles were identified as having used the emissions simulator to pass emissions testing. In December 2015, OSP, with the assistance of agents from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, served search warrants at Drive Credit and Global Auto Motors in Portland, Oregon.
Interviews of the employees from both businesses revealed that a mechanic, Sergey FESIK, age 39,was responsible for installing the device in the vehicles for Drive Credit and Global Auto Motors in order to pass the emissions test when he knew they would not pass otherwise. Of the 57 vehicles identified, the majority were beyond the timeframe for which prosecution could occur. However, the conduct relating to 9 of the vehicles was still within the statute of limitations and in June of 2017, Fesik pled guilty to nine counts of altering a vehicle's emissions equipment. He was subsequently sentenced to:
- 30 days jail
- $1,100 fine
- 24 month probation
The Oregon Department of Justice Environmental and Cultural Resources Enforcement Unit and the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office prosecuted the case. The Oregon State Police and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality work in partnership to investigate and enforce Oregon's Environmental laws. You can report pollution complaints, to the DEQ Hotline at 1-888-997-7888 or to the Oregon State Police at 1-800-452-7888.