Overview
- David “Heavy D” Sparks was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail on Oct. 7 after U.S. District Judge Robert J. Shelby issued a bench warrant on Oct. 2.
- The court found Sparks in contempt for repeatedly defying orders in the Clean Air Act case and directed that he remain jailed until he purges the contempt.
- According to the latest order, Sparks can secure release by paying the fees in full or by completing specified court-required filings to come into compliance.
- The underlying 2017 lawsuit by Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment alleged illegal removal or defeat of diesel emissions controls; the court ruled for the plaintiffs in 2020.
- Orders entered in 2021 hold Sparks and co-defendants jointly liable for about $843,602 in attorneys’ fees and costs, which his attorney characterizes as a civil collection matter with no criminal charge.