By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -A Fiat Chrysler auto engineer charged with making misstatements to U.S. regulators about diesel engines’ emission management techniques pleaded responsible to a felony, the U.S. Justice Division stated on Thursday.

The Justice Division stated the responsible plea by Emanuele Palma accompanies the sooner conviction of Fiat Chrysler, now a part of Stellantis, for defrauding the EPA and prospects.

Palma, who was charged in 2019, pleaded responsible on Wednesday to conspiring to violate the Clear Air Act. Sentencing is about for Oct. 17.

Stellantis declined to remark.

Underneath a plea settlement, Palma, who’s within the means of relocating from Michigan to Italy, isn’t anticipated to spend any time in custody.

“Senior auto officers at FCA US, together with Mr. Palma, conspired to avoid air pollution requirements and procure EPA certifications for tons of of 1000’s of SUVs and pickup vans below false pretenses,” Assistant Legal professional Normal Todd Kim of the Justice Division’s Atmosphere and Pure Sources Division stated in a press release.

FCA US LLC agreed in June 2022 to pay about $300 million in felony penalties arising from its efforts to evade emissions necessities for greater than 100,000 older Ram pickup vans and Jeep sport-utility autos in its U.S. lineup.

FCA US beforehand paid a $311 million civil penalty and over $183 million in compensation to over 63,000 folks as a part of a class-action diesel lawsuit.