05/03/2025
Owner of Hoosier Diesel Charged Again With Another Felony
The Indiana State Police District Investigations Section at the Lowell Post was requested by the Merrillville Fire Department to investigate a theft involving money that was paid to a local diesel repair shop to fix one of their fire trucks. In March of 2024, the Merrillville Fire Department (MFD) took a truck to Hoosier Diesel for preventative maintenance.
MFD was told by the owner of Hoosier Diesel, David Matthew Shepard, that pieces of metal were found in the oil and that it would require extensive repair. Mr. Shepard requested an advance payment for a new engine in the amount of $43,705.80 and a check was submitted to him on March 22, 2024, by the Town of Merrillville and the check had been deposited. The total estimated cost for all repairs by Hoosier Diesel was going to be approximately $60,000.
For the next year, Mr. Shepard communicated with MFD that there was an issue with the engine being made, but that he was able to obtain one from another company. MFD continued to inquire about the status of the fire truck in February of 2025 when MFD learned from the company that makes the engines that one was never ordered as Mr. Shepard had stated. MFD then made arrangements to pickup the fire truck and had it towed to another repair shop also in February 2025. That repair shop was able to determine that the fire truck did not actually need a new engine whatsoever. That repair shop determined that repairs could be made for approximately $10,000, far less than the $60,000 that Hoosier Diesel had claimed. Further investigation revealed that the engine’s oil pan had never been removed, and the factory seal was still attached. The oil filters were also inspected, and no metal was located in any of the filters or oil and the engine showed normal wear and tear, noting no damage that needed major engine replacement.
As a result of this investigation, the case was submitted to the Lake County Prosecutor's Office for review. It was determined that Mr. Shepard be charged with Theft- a Level 6 Felony. As of the writing of this release, Mr. Shepard is not in custody and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.
Mr. Shepard was also recently in trouble with the law enforcement in Merrillville back in October. Shepard was charged with one count of Auto Theft, a Level 6 felony, according to court documents. Shepard was hired to perform service work on the MRAP SWAT truck by the Merrillville Police Department. While his shop was in possession of the vehicle, Shepard allegedly drove the MRAP home.
Lake County Sheriff Officers responded at 11:18 AM, on October 4th to Shepard’s home for a citizen assist when they encountered the MRAP. Shepard told police he and his wife were separating and he took the MRAP from the shop to his home because he had to collect some things. It should be noted that he also brought several of his employees with in the MRAP to assist, the court records show.
Merrillville Police Chief Kosta Nuses asked the Indiana State Police to investigate that incident after they discovered Shepard took it home.
Nuses told ISP Shepard’s company didn’t end up working on the vehicle and it was serviced somewhere else.
All suspects are presumed to be innocent until/unless proven guilty in court.
(Photo from Hoosier Diesel Social Media)
