The owner of a diesel service shop previously convicted of a felony for altering emission control devices has spoken out after receiving a full unconditional pardon from President Donald J. Trump.
Ryan LaLone, owner of Diesel Freak LLC, in Gaylord, Mich., was charged in 2024 along with employees Wade Lalone and James Sisson in the case, in which Diesel Freak was ordered to pay more than $1.8 million in fines and the three men each received one year of probation.
“While I am incredibly thankful for this pardon, I also believe we should never have been made felons in the first place,” LaLone said Tuesday. “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.
“I hope our experience encourages a thoughtful conversation about fairness, due process and how government agencies exercise their authority.”
Diesel Freak distributes diesel components and other products for light-, medium- and heavy-duty trucks.
The presidential action also granted pardons to Wade LaLone, Diesel Freak LLC, Mac Spurlock, Jon Achtemeier, Matt Geouge, Aaron Rudolf, and Tim Clancy, all of whom were involved in related enforcement cases.
“Today represents a new beginning for our family and our business,” LaLone said. “While this pardon restores our future, I hope it also serves as a reminder that no family or small business should have to endure what we did. We’re thankful for the opportunity to move forward and continue serving our community.”
