On June 1, 2024, Diego Alonso Lazo Olivos, 28, of Saratoga Springs, entered a guilty plea for ten counts of attempting to violate Utah’s Air Conservation Act after helping vehicles pass bogus emissions inspections at Cleggs Car Care in Orem.. The court sentenced him to 18 months of probation and ordered monthly restitution, marking the third employee in the scandal to face legal consequences.

Olivos’ sentencing: 18 months probation and $250 monthly restitutoin

According to court records, the judge imposed 18 months of probation on Olivos and mandated $250 per month in restitution for the next 20 months. The restitution figure reflects the estimated financial gain from each fraudulent test, though prosecutors have not disclosed the total amount recovered.

Prohibited from future emissions work and required to testify

Olivos was expressly barred from conducting any future emissions testing or seeking certification as an emissions technician, a restriction that will remain in effect indefinitely.. The court also ordered him to appear as a witness if subpoenaed in the ongoing case against the remaining defendant, Matthew Neil Lerud.

Earlier guilty pleas: Nielsen and Valdovinos receive similar probation terms

Prosecutors note that Benjamin Louis Nielsen, 52, of Pleasant Grove, pleaded guilty in February to three misdemeanor counts and was sentenced to the same 18‑month probation term with over $700 in restitution.. Christian Valdovinos, 27,of Provo, entered a guilty plea in March on two misdemeanor counts and received a comparable sentence, underscoring a pattern of uniform penalties for the first two technicians.

Pending charges against Lerud and potential further action

Matthew Neil Lerud, 41, of South Jordan, faces ten felony counts and had a pre‑trial conference scheduled for June 8. However, the Utah County Attorney’s Office filed a motion to dismiss those charges in the interest of justice, a move that prosecutors say is still under review as they consider additional charges against other staff members.

How the fraud operated: the “clean‑connect” method uncovered in 2025

According to the Utah County Health Department, investigators discovered in June 2025 that Cleggs Car Care had been using a “clean‑connect” scheme since at least 2022. Technicians allegedly linked the emissions analyzer to a compliant vehicle while claiming it was attached to the customer’s car, allowing failing vehicles to pass the state test.

Who else might be implicated? Prosecutors still evaluating staff involvement

Prosecutors have indicated that the investigation is ongonig and that additional employees could face charges, but no further names have been released.. The lack of clarity leaves the full scope of the fraud uncertain.