Trucking Company Owner Pleads Guilty to Falsifying Logs in Case Linked to Fatal Crash

A trucking company owner admitted guilt to falsifying logs and exceeding federal hours-of-service in connection with a collision that killed seven motorcyclists. Here are the key details you need to know.

• Dunyadar "Damien" Gasanov, 39, pleaded guilty to falsifying driving logs
• Crash involved seven motorcyclist deaths in New Hampshire in June 2019
• Currently facing up to 15 years in prison and $30,000 fine

Gasanov's Admission Sheds Light on Safety Violations

The former co-owner of Westfield Transport confessed to instructing employees to falsify records, exceeding hours-of-service limits. This revelation underscores the importance of adhering to federal safety regulations.

Key Points:

• Falsified logs from May to June 2019
• Lied to federal investigators about knowing the driver involved
• Brother, Dartanayan Gasanov, awaits trial on related charges

Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy emphasized,

"Keeping communities safe takes all forms. In this case, it's about making sure operators of commercial vehicles adhere to all required safety procedures and regulations."

Driver Acquitted, But Questions Remain

While Volodymyr Zhukovskyy, the driver involved, was acquitted in 2022, Gasanov's guilty plea raises new questions about the company's practices.

• Jury found lead motorcyclist was impaired and over-centerline
• Gasanov knew of Zhukovskyy's prior DUI charge

This case underscores the ongoing challenges in enforcing safety regulations within the trucking industry. It’s a stark reminder of the potential consequences when companies prioritize profit over safety.

Source: Freight Waves