Overview

• Salt Lake County jail records show Sparks was arrested and booked on Oct. 7 under a federal bench warrant issued on Oct. 2.
• U.S. District Judge Robert J. Shelby previously found Sparks in contempt for failing to satisfy about $843,602 in fees and penalties stemming from the 2017 lawsuit.
• Sparks’ attorney said no crime has been charged and described the arrest as a civil collection action tied to attorney’s fees.
• Court filings state defendants, including corporate entities Diesel Power Gear LLC and B&W Auto LLC, are jointly and severally liable for the amount.
• The underlying case cited lab tests of a truck purchased from Sparks Motors that reportedly emitted about 21 times more particulate matter without a working diesel particulate filter, and a contempt hearing is set for Oct. 9.