Houston Man Charged After He’s Caught Performing Fake Vehicle Inspections

HOUSTON, TX — A Houston who is accused of falsifying more than 700 state vehicle inspections is behind bars.

Damien Oliver, 39, was charged with two counts of tampering with a government record, which is a felony offense.

Investigators said Oliver performed the inspections at the West Orem Inspection and Lube in the 3900 block of West Orem Drive in southwest Houston, KPRC reported.

Investigators said Oliver used a technique called clean scanning, which according to a Houston Chronicle report, involved entering the vehicle identification number, or VIN, into the system and then connecting the device to another vehicle during the emissions test.

Since 2002, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required vehicles in more urban areas in Texas to have an emissions test performed each year before the registration is renewed.

The test helps to ensure better air quality, and ensures there are no leaks or defects in the vehicle’s emissions systems equipment, such as catalytic converters or oxygen sensors.

A faulty emissions system can contribute to poor air quality as well as affect the operation of your vehicle and make it unsafe.

Oliver is in the Harris County Jail and has a bond of $20,000 for each charge.

Image: Bryan Kirk/Patch Staff

Follow Us On Facebook: Engage with your neighbors in the Metro Houston area and keep up with the talk of the day by liking one of our Facebook pages. Houston / Midtown Houston / Houston Heights / Galleria - River Oaks / Bellaire / Meyerland / Humble-Kingwood / Conroe-Montgomery County / Sugar Land / Pasadena / The Woodlands / Clear Lake