For many people, tow truck companies are the enemy. This is especially true for those who take parking risks when they can’t find usable spots. However, there are sometimes instances of companies illegally towing vehicles. It’s not common, but one company out of California is in hot water after doing this very thing.

Illegally towing people’s vehicles is a major offense

The act of towing vehicles parked in places they shouldn’t be is important. It helps protect businesses and is a way to maintain appearances. Still, car owners deserve protection from predatory actions. According to KRON4, two people associated with Private Property Impound, Inc. in Oakland, California, are paying a hefty price towing cars they shouldn’t have.

According to the report, this company was found guilty of illegally towing thousands of vehicles belonging to Alameda County residents. Notably, the cars in question were parked in residential areas. The two people charged are Wayne Daniel Russo, 37, and Stephanie Marie Gipson, 36. Both pled no contest to a misdemeanor count of illegally towing vehicles. 

Of course, they’re facing harsh penalties for towing the vehicles from the residential area. They must pay almost $500,000 in restitution and an additional $75,000 for hiring a firm to contact the owners. This comes after they paid $333,000 to the California Franchise Tax Board. The report says upwards of 8,000 people had a vehicle illegally towed. 

Wayne Daniel Russo also received a 90-day jail sentence for towing the vehicles, but he can serve it from his home with monitoring. Stephanie Marie Gipson received 90 days of probation and 50 hours of community service. 

According to District Attorney Pamela Price, “Illegal towing disproportionately affects our community’s most vulnerable residents, for whom the family car can be a lifeline to attend work, get their kids to school, and seek medical care.” Notably, this case began in 2020 and saw no action until last year.