Wyoming Diesel 'Delete' Case Delayed, Accused Hopes It's A Sign EPA Is Backing Off

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Wyoming Diesel 'Delete' Case Delayed, Accused Hopes It's A Sign EPA Is Backing Off

Accused of deleting emissions systems from diesel trucks in the heart of Wyoming's coal country, a Gillette man's federal plea hearing was delayed this week. His defense attorney said it could be a sign that the EPA is backing off.

Clair McFarland
September 16, 2025 • 9 min read


Wyoming’s new top federal prosecutor Darin Smith, at podium, has asked for a delay in the case of Levi Krech of Gillette, inset, accused of tampering with diesel emissions devices. (Clair McFarland, Cowboy State Daily; Levi Krech via Instagram @dieselinjected01)

Wyoming’s new top federal prosecutor asked for a delay in the case of a Gillette man accused of tampering with diesel emissions devices. … The man’s defense attorney says the delay signals a nationwide backing-off from federal criminal “delete” prosecutions under the second Trump administration.

Levi Krech faces one count of conspiracy to violate the clean air act, and one of tampering with a monitoring device, in the U.S. District Court for Wyoming. Each is a felony. Together they’re punishable by up to seven years in prison.

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Krech’s defense attorney Stewart Cables, of Hassan Cables Law Firm, said he’s hoping the delay signals a chance that the case will be dismissed altogether.

“Well, we’re hoping he’s not going to have to plead guilty,” said Cables in a Tuesday phone interview with Cowboy State Daily. “We’re hoping there’s going to be a dismissal.” … He said other cases around the nation are leaning the same direction: they’re in negotiations where dismissal is a possible outcome.

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Clair McFarland can be reached at [e-mail].