Diesel Freak, of Gaylord, was recently pardoned by President Donald Trump after the company pleaded guilty to charges of conspiring to violate the Clean Air Act over two years ago. (Photo courtesy of Diesel Freak's Facebook)

GAYLORD — A diesel repair and electronics modification facility headquartered in Gaylord has been pardoned by President Donald Trump after the company pleaded guilty to charges of conspiring to violate the Clean Air Act in February 2024.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office Western District of Michigan, the corporate defendant Diesel Freak, LLC, was ordered to pay a fine of $750,000 and serve a term of probation.

It was reportedly the largest fine imposed over the course of the case in which the court ordered over $1.8 million in fines to other Michigan companies and individuals.

The owner of the business, Ryan Lalone, and two employees, Wade Lalone — Ryan’s brother — and James Sisson, were each sentenced to one year probation with separate fines.

“I am deeply grateful to God for His mercy and to President Donald J. Trump for granting this pardon,” Ryan said after the pardon. “This brings an end to a chapter that has weighed heavily on our family, our business and everyone who stood with us through this process.”

Diesel Freak was among several other individuals pardoned by Trump on July 3 for violations of the Clean Air Act and similar cases.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Diesel Freak designs and builds electronic monitoring and modification kits that adjust engine power and fuel efficiency through Wi-Fi connections with trucks on the road.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office wrote in 2024, “During the conspiracy period, which ran from approximately 2015 through November 2018, when Diesel Freak was searched by the EPA, Diesel Freak conducted remote reprogramming, or tuning, of on-board diagnostic systems (“OBD”), including deletions of environmental controls, allowing diesel engines for large open-road trucks to work cheaper, without environmental restrictions, causing pollution beyond that allowed by law.”

Tampering with or removing emissions controls can reportedly increase the emissions of nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, carbon monoxide and non-methane hydrocarbons found in vehicle exhaust significantly.

U.S. Attorney Mark Totten commented on the company’s sentence, saying, “This case is one of the largest of its kind ever charged in the United States, and today’s sentences send a clear message that polluters who break environmental laws will be held accountable.”

After pardoning over a dozen individuals and companies for violations of the Clean Air Act and other offenses, Trump made a statement on Truth Social.

“It is my Great Honor to have just signed Pardons for six people who were persecuted by the Biden Administration, and were in, or being sent to, prison, for ‘fixing their car,'” Trump wrote.

Ryan said he hopes the pardons will spark a broader discussion about federal enforcement, regulatory clarity and the challenges facing small businesses.

“Today represents a new beginning for our family and our business,” Ryan said. “While I am incredibly thankful for this pardon, I also believe we should never have been made felons in the first place. Our case raised important questions about how regulations are enforced and the impact those actions can have on family-owned businesses. Every American should care when small business owners can face criminal prosecution over laws they believe were unclear or improperly applied.”

He also emphasized the role diesel mechanics play nationwide.

“Our customers included the people who keep America moving–truck drivers delivering goods, contractors serving their communities, and emergency vehicles that depend on reliable equipment,” he said. “We believe there is a path that supports both clean air and dependable diesel equipment, and we hope future policy reflects that balance.”

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Sophie Vogelmann can be reached at 906-786-2021 or svogelmann@dailypress.net.