News Release

For immediate release
August 22, 2007

$20,000 FINE FOR FALSIFYING VEHICLE EMISSIONS INFORMATION

SCARBOROUGH – Merhawi Tekle has been fined $20,000, plus a victim fine surcharge, after being convicted on charges that he submitted false Drive Clean Vehicle Emissions Inspection Reports and permitted the operation of vehicles that did not meet emissions standards.

Merhawi Tekle was employed as an automotive service advisor at a service centre which was certified as an Ontario Drive Clean testing facility. 

Following a review by ministry staff of certain Drive Clean transactions that occurred in February and March 2005, an investigation was undertaken.  Based on this investigation, it was determined that Mr. Tekle was taking money from individuals whose vehicles had not successfully completed a Drive Clean emissions test and in exchange, used the information obtained from Drive Clean Vehicle Emission Reports to assist these individuals renew their license plates.

Mr. Tekle was charged by the Ministry of the Environment’s Investigations and Enforcement Branch.

Mr. Tekle was convicted on five counts of violating the Environmental Protection Act. Three of these counts relate to the submission of false or misleading information to the ministry, contrary to s.184 (2) of the Environmental Protection Act. The remaining two counts relate to permitting the operation of a motor vehicle that is not in compliance with emissions standards, contrary to s.9 (13.1) of the Act.

Justice of the Peace H. Lewin heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice in Scarborough, on August 16, 2007.

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For further information:
Kate Jordan Communications Branch (416) 314-6666
Contact information for the general public: 416-325-4000 or 1-800-565-4923/ www.ontario.ca/environment

 

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