You may recall last year when we published a story titled “Chameleon Carriers Getting Away With It… Again” about a chameleon carrier in a series of wrecks getting shut down without any further action being taken against the owners. Well now those same owners are back at it, but this time they’re facing the possibility of some major jail time.
Dorian Ayache just pled guilty to charges of violating imminent hazard out of service orders. Ayache is the former owner of Three Angels Farms, a carrier specializing in transporting horses. Three Angels Farms was shut down following a wreck that killed three horses. During the investigation the FMCSA found that Ayache had unacceptable safety practices including improperly maintained vehicles and failing to ensure that his drivers were qualified.
Soon after being shut down, Ayache reopened his doors, operating his company under the new name of Terri’s Farm. The company was owned by Theresa Vincent, but operated by Ayache. Of course, the new company was promptly shut down as well following an investigation spurred by a second accident. It was at this time that we reported on the story.
According WSMV, Ayache and Vincent then started a third company while they were already under investigation.
DOT investigators claimed that Ayache attempted to conceal and destroy emails that proved he and Vincent were guilty. Vincent in turn is accused of making false statements while testifying before a grand jury regarding those same communications.
If found guilty of all charges, Ayache faces a maximum prison sentence of 25 years and a fine of up to $500,000. Vincent faces a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and a fine of up to $500,000.
Next Story: Company Owner Avoids Jail After Deadly Accident
Source: truckinginfo, rtfitchauthor, ratemyhorsepro, thetruckersreport, wsmv
Image Source: ratemyhorsepro
Ray says
Some people are not fast learners.
John Burleson says
Shuda voted dummycrat!
Don says
Bigger trucking companies get away with it. They just have to pay larger “service fees” to corrupt government employees (DOT) and the like.
Brandyjowo says
What about the companies that shut themselves down after a fatality accident before DOT does, and then opens under a new company? They know it’s coming and they know it’s only WRONG if DOT shuts them down first. It’s shady. I know a local company that just did it, such a shame they can still get away with it, even when reported to DOT.
Roadghost says
LOL. They aren’t going to get anything. The problem in this industry is the way these charges all go to the wayside and the guilty get out of jail free. That’s why these accidents keep happening.
Brian says
This isn’t anything new and has gone on for years. We consistently hear from carriers that have more than one name and operate as different companies all the time. Usually it goes like this – sorry we can’t use you as you 5 investigations and your SMS ratings are all in the 90 percentiles. The response we here is always the same – here, try this MC number. Some of these carriers have 5 or more. WTH??
JJ says
Burn them at the Interstate stake, in public view…that will get someones attention fast….burn their sorry azzez…
John S says
It’s a bigger shame that the horses were inocent victims of a shoddy business!
John Burleson says
Personal story: I drove for a shyster like this. He wouldn’t maintain his vehicles at all. So the first way station I came to, I pulled in and innocently asked for an inspection. Several thousand dollars later, said shyster had at least one good truck on the road. New drivers, remember: if it’s s*^t, you don’t have to split. You call for the inspection there’s no ticket; let the full growns decide to look and you, too, will lose a big hunk of backside.
Vincent Meaker says
I assisted with the inspection of the driver and vehicle involved in the crash which killed the horses. The driver was disqualified and the vehicles had two pages of violations once we completed the inspection at the wrecker yard. FMCSA is implementing new programs which is helping us detect chameleon companies.