The sentence is less severe than the maximum statutory penalties of five years in prison for conspiracy and two years for tampering charges.
Illegal “Delete Tunes”
PPEI was one of the nation’s most prominent developers of custom “tunes,” software designed to optimize vehicle performance. However, the company was particularly notorious for producing “delete tunes,” which disable emissions controls while allowing vehicles to appear compliant.
Willis once boasted on a podcast that PPEI had “reached the top” of the delete tuning market, tuning over 175,000 vehicles and claiming more than 100,000 customers. Internal records revealed the company routinely sold over $1 million worth of products each month.
Between 2013 and 2018, PPEI’s delete tunes were linked to over 100 million pounds of excess nitrogen oxide emissions, according to EPA estimates, significantly exacerbating pollution and health risks.
Impact on Public Health
The DOJ emphasized the harmful effects of diesel emissions, which can worsen diseases such as asthma and lung cancer. U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert underscored the importance of prosecuting those who undermine environmental laws.
