Diesel Dave, whose real name is David "Heavy D" Sparks, was put in jail because he was found in contempt of court related to a longstanding environmental lawsuit alleging violations of the Clean Air Act. He repeatedly disobeyed court orders and failed to pay fines and fees amounting to about $844,000 owed in connection with the lawsuit. The case involves allegations that he and others modified diesel vehicle emissions systems to emit harmful pollutants illegally. The judge ordered his arrest after other enforcement measures to secure compliance were exhausted, and he remains in custody until he complies with the court's requirements to purge the contempt.
