GASTON COUNTY, N.C. – A local towing company in Gaston County, North Carolina, is facing legal repercussions following allegations of illegal towing practices. Jack's Towing and Recovery Service, LLC, is set to go to trial after the City of Gastonia filed a civil lawsuit against the business, according to court records.
The lawsuit, filed on March 20, accuses the company of trespass tows from private parking lots and refusing to accept credit card payments. The complaint details several incidents where the company, owned by Marshall Gregory, allegedly towed vehicles from private properties, including a church, and demanded cash payments exceeding $1,000 to return the vehicles.
Under Gastonia's Code of Ordinances, no towing service is permitted to conduct a trespass tow from a private parking lot for compensation without adhering to specific provisions. The ordinance requires tow companies to display notice signs, not less than 24 inches by 24 inches, at each access point and within five feet of the street right-of-way line. Additionally, these signs must state that credit and debit cards may be used for payment, along with any additional fees associated with credit card transactions.
Jack's Towing and Recovery Service was administratively dissolved by the North Carolina Secretary of State on November 21, 2025, for failing to file an annual report. However, the business was reinstated on or around March 20.
North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson has taken a firm stance against predatory towing practices. In a video posted to social media in July, Jackson warned towing companies across the state that his office would aggressively pursue those accused of such practices. "If you're a towing company that follows the rules, you're good to go," Jackson stated. "But if you're making a buck by breaking the law, we've got a new playbook for going after you, and we will."
Court documents indicate that Gregory denies the allegations against the company, asserting that he is not personally liable for any obligations, debts, or alleged ordinance violations. In response to the complaint, Gregory contends that he is "not personally liable for the obligations, debts, or alleged ordinance violations of Jack's Towing solely by reason of being its member, owner, manager, or other limited liability company official."
The City of Gastonia is seeking an injunction to prevent Jack's Towing and Recovery Service from violating city towing ordinances in the future. The trial is scheduled to take place on July 12, 2027.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of adherence to local regulations and the rights of property owners. As towing companies continue to operate, they must do so responsibly and within the legal framework, ensuring that customers are not subjected to unfair or illegal practices. The outcome of this trial may have far-reaching implications for towing companies and their operations across the state of North Carolina.
(0)