U.S. files complaint against New York company accused of selling 672 illegal emissions defeat devices online

Officials announced that a New York-based company and its principal are facing a civil complaint for alleged violations of the Clean Air Act.

Long Island-based company Spectrum Wholesale, Inc. and Thomas J. Ciccarelli, Spectrum’s principal were the subject of a civil complaint filed in Central Islip, according to a January 8 announcement from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York.

Officials say that between October 18, 2019 and September 2, 2020, primarily through online transactions, the defendants sold, offered for sale, or caused the sale of approximately 672 aftermarket parts that defeat motor vehicle emission controls (commonly known as “aftermarket defeat devices”).

The sale of aftermarket defeat devices violates the Clean Air Act.

The civil complaint seeks a court order finding that defendants’ sales violate the Clean Air Act, injunctive relief enjoining Defendants from further violations, as well as civil penalties for each violation.

“These sales have put the public health and the environment at risk by defeating critical vehicle emission controls on hundreds of vehicles,” stated United States Attorney Peace.  “My Office will continue to rigorously enforce the Clean Air Act against those who degrade the public health and environment to make a fast dollar.”

“The increased air pollution resulting from these devices threatens the health of everyone, especially those with pre-existing health conditions, children and older adults,” stated EPA Regional Administrator Garcia.  “To protect public health, EPA is enforcing measures to eliminate the manufacture and sale of such devices to ensure that the vehicles on our roads meet required emission standards.”