Two Fulton County men have been indicted separately for assisting in the issuance of fraudulent emissions certificates. Arthur Alexander and Evan Hardy allegedly were involved in a scheme to issue passing emissions certificates for vehicles which could not pass the state emissions tests.

Alexander has been charged with one count of False Statements and Writings (O.C.G.A. § 16-10-20), a crime punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.00. Hardy has been charged with three counts of False Statements and Writings (O.C.G.A. § 16-10-20), a crime punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.00 for each count.

Assistant Attorney General Greg Lohmeier is prosecuting the case on behalf of the State of Georgia. Lohmeier presented the case to the Fulton County Grand Jury on June 10, 2011, and indictments were filed on June 10, 2011 with the Fulton County Superior Court. The case was investigated by Michael Derrick of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division.

Members of the public should keep in mind that indictments contain only allegations against the individual(s) against whom the indictment is sought. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and it will be the government’s burden at trial to prove the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of the allegations contained in the indictment.