A Scandal Unveiled: Washington Trucking Companies Owner Pleads Guilty
Pavel Ivanovich Turlak, owner of three prominent trucking companies in Washington, has admitted guilt in a federal court. Turlak's charges involve conspiring to violate the Clean Air Act by tampering with emissions controls and fraudulently accessing COVID-19 relief funds.
Legal Proceedings and Admissions
On Friday, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington, Turlak acknowledged his actions, which date back to August 2017 through November 2023. His offenses include the removal of vital air pollution control equipment and tampering with federally mandated monitoring devices on diesel trucks. Moreover, Turlak confessed to fraudulently obtaining over $300,000 in federal funding.
Vanessa R. Waldref, the U.S. Attorney, emphasized the gravity of Turlak's actions: “Mr. Turlak pursued a business of profiting from pollution. By installing emission defeat devices in his own vehicles and the vehicles of others, he sought an illegal competitive advantage and evaded important safeguards designed to protect public health and the environment.”
The Impact on Washington Communities and Industry
Turlak owns PT Express, Spokane Truck Service, and Pauls Trans. PT Express, for instance, has 15 drivers and 12 power units, while Pauls Trans employs five drivers and operates five power units. His businesses, especially Spokane Truck Service, which specializes in diesel truck repair, became the hub for disabling emissions control systems, not only on Turlak's trucks but also those of his customers.
A Broader Network of Fraud
Ryan Hugh Milliken, owner of Hardaway Solutions, was implicated as well. He was charged with providing “delete tune” files to Turlak, designed to disable emissions monitoring systems. Milliken agreed to a $45,000 civil penalty under a consent agreement with the EPA.
Turlak exploited his knowledge by charging customers approximately $3,500 per truck to remove pollution control equipment and even took classes from Milliken on the tuning software.
Looking Ahead
Turlak's sentencing is slated for April 2. This high-profile case underscores the importance of maintaining integrity and compliance, particularly in industries heavily reliant on technology and regulations like trucking.
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This article first appeared in the 'FreightWaves' and underscores the dire need for ethical practices in the trucking industry.
