A Texas man is facing charges connected to the “the alleged operation of illegal and unsafe trucking companies,” according to federal authorities.

Houston resident Shaquan Jelks, 48, has been charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States along with other related offenses, according to a June 20, 2025 statement from the U.S. Department of Justice.

Officials say that Jelks “managed and controlled multiple commercial trucking companies after being ordered not to do so by a federal court and by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).”

Jelks is accused of repeatedly lying to and obstructing the FMCSA, including after a driver he employed was killed in a single-vehicle crash in February 2022.

Authorities also accuse Jelks of funding his “illegal trucking companies” in part through money fraudulently obtained through the Paycheck Protection Program.

The case remains under investigation by the Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

“Individuals who impair, impede, or obstruct the lawful functions of the FMCSA make our roads and highways less safe,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department will continue to work closely with the Department of Transportation and our law enforcement partners to protect drivers on our roads and highways.”

“Motorists have a right to expect that the commercial trucks on their roadways—which weigh tens of thousands of pounds or more—are safely maintained and operated,” said U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei for the Southern District of Texas. “By prosecuting those that undermine this expectation of safety, DOJ and DOT are simultaneously keeping our roadways safe and maintaining public confidence.”

“Keeping our highways safe is essential to protecting our families, our economy, and our way of life,” said Joseph Harris, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General’s Southern Region. “People have every right to expect that trucking companies follow the highest safety standards when using our public roads. Today’s announcement shows our continued commitment to holding commercial operators accountable—especially those who put profits ahead of public safety by disregarding key DOT regulations.”