The owners of two Clark County automotive businesses were sentenced last week for conspiracy and felony violations of the federal Clean Air Act for tampering with diesel trucks’ emissions monitoring systems.
Tracy Coiteux, 44, and Sean Coiteux, 50, of La Center were both sentenced to four years of probation, four months of home confinement, 60 hours of community service and each must pay a $10,000 fine. The two are the co-owners of Racing Performance Maintenance Northwest — known as RPM — and a related sales company called RPM Motors and Sales NW. Tracy Coiteux was convicted by a jury in May 2024 following a three-day jury trial. Sean Coiteux pleaded guilty in March 2024.
According to a news release, the United States Attorney’s Office recommended that both defendants receive prison time. At the sentencing, U.S. District Judge Benjamin H. Settle said, “The defendants put their desire for money above their duty to the community and environment… But this once prosperous middle-aged couple is now in financial ruin.” The court did not impose any jail time.