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CHARLOTTE — The owner of an auto repair shop in North Charlotte is now facing charges after federal and state agents searched the property earlier this year.
On January 19, Action 9’s Jason Stoogenke learned that agents were at Friendly Auto Repair on North Tryon Street.
Back then, agents wouldn’t say what they were looking for.
According to unsealed court records Oct. 20, federal agents say Friendly Auto Repair is accused of lying to the government about the vehicles, making it look like they didn’t need emissions testing.
Investigators said Jamal Saymeh changed the registration county of more than 11,000 vehicles and more than 3,000 types of trucks from light-duty to heavy-duty.
Saymeh is accused of defrauding North Carolina of approximately $80,000 in the process. He was charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States and violation of the Clean Air Act.
The owner of Friendly Auto Repair on N. Tryon St. is now facing federal charges. Prosecutors say Jamal Saymeh took extra money to change vehicle information so they didn’t need emissions testing.
—Jason Stoogenke (@action9) November 21, 2022
Court documents are very vague about what the drivers supposedly knew, but federal agents say they used undercover agents and at least one hidden camera in their investigation.
When Stoogenke spoke with Saymeh last month, he told Jason to speak to his lawyer, but wouldn’t say who it was and hung up.
(WATCH BELOW: Affidavit: Charlotte Auto Repair Shop Lied About Vehicle Emissions Testing)
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