A Texas man who was previously ordered off the road is now facing federal charges for allegedly continuing to run multiple dangerous trucking enterprises. The case, involving Shaquan Jelks, 48, of Houston, exemplifies long-standing concerns about regulatory evasion and unethical business practices in the trucking industry.
On June 20, federal authorities unsealed the indictment, indicating that Jelks faces conspiracy to defraud the United States and other charges.
Jelks Ignored Shutdown Orders and Repeatedly Misled Regulators
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According to the Department of Justice, Jelks managed and controlled many commercial trucking enterprises despite being expressly barred from doing so by a federal court and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
- The FMCSA issued two separate Out-of-Service orders against Jelks, including one in January 2022 designating his operations an “imminent hazard.”
- Court documents reveal Jelks continued operating trucks and submitted false documents to federal agencies even after these shutdowns.
- He was found to be operating 4 Life Transport Corp, a reincarnated version of Adversity Transport Inc, in an attempt to circumvent enforcement actions.
Judge Christina Bryan, who ruled Jelks should remain in detention, noted his actions demonstrated “flagrant violation” of both the court’s injunction and federal safety orders. “There are no conditions this Court can set to address the danger to the community,” she wrote.
Deadly Crash, Safety Violations, and Use of Fraudulent Funds
The indictment also mentions a fatal collision in February 2022 involving a driver from one of Jelks’ organizations, emphasizing the public safety dangers linked with his current operations.
- The FMCSA’s records show that the truck and trailer involved in the crash had been in use by Jelks’ companies even after Out-of-Service notices were issued.
- Safety violations included hours-of-service noncompliance and vehicle maintenance issues.
- Authorities also allege that Jelks used fraudulently obtained Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds to help finance these illegal operations.
“People have every right to expect that trucking companies follow the highest safety standards,” said Joseph Harris, special agent-in-charge at the DOT Office of Inspector General. “This case reflects our commitment to holding commercial operators accountable.”
Sealed Indictment, Criminal History, and Intimidation Concerns
The case was brought to a federal grand jury on June 12, and the indictment was sealed shortly thereafter owing to worries about Jelks’ ability to impede the investigation.
- Jelks was arrested June 17. The indictment was unsealed three days later.
- According to court filings, Jelks has a prior murder conviction from 1997 and is suspected of attempting to intimidate his wife, who may have been cooperating with the investigation.
Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate emphasized the broader implications: “Individuals who impair, impede, or obstruct the lawful functions of the FMCSA make our roads and highways less safe. We will continue to protect the public from such threats.”