GASTON COUNTY, N.C. – A Gaston County tow company, Jack's Towing and Recovery Service, LLC, is facing a trial for alleged illegal towing practices, according to court records. The City of Gastonia filed a civil lawsuit against the company on March 20, accusing it of trespassing on private property to tow vehicles and refusing to accept credit card payments.
The lawsuit details several incidents where the company, owned by Marshall Gregory, is alleged to have towed vehicles from private properties across Gastonia, including a church. The owners were reportedly required to pay in cash to retrieve their vehicles, with some being charged over $1,000.
According to Gastonia's Code of Ordinances, no towing service is allowed to conduct a trespass tow from a private parking lot for compensation without complying with specific provisions. These provisions include posting notice signs and allowing payment by credit and debit cards.
The business was administratively dissolved by the North Carolina Secretary of State on November 21, 2025, for failing to file an annual report. However, it was reinstated on or around March 20, the same day the lawsuit was filed.
North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson has warned towing companies across the state that his office will aggressively pursue those accused of predatory towing practices. "If you're a towing company that follows the rules, you're good to go," Jackson said. "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 show that Gregory denies the allegations made in the complaint, denying any implication of unlawful conduct. In response to the complaint, Gregory asserts 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 is seeking an injunction to prevent the company from violating city towing ordinances in the future. The trial is set to begin on July 12, 2027.
The case highlights the ongoing issue of predatory towing practices in some areas. These practices can cause significant distress to vehicle owners who are left without their vehicles and are forced to pay exorbitant fees to retrieve them.
Community members and local authorities are hopeful that the trial will send a strong message to towing companies that such practices are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. The outcome of the trial could potentially lead to changes in local laws and regulations to better protect consumers from predatory towing practices.
The City of Gastonia's lawsuit against Jack's Towing and Recovery Service, LLC, is a significant step in addressing this issue and ensuring that local businesses operate within the bounds of the law. It remains to be seen what the outcome of the trial will be and what impact it will have on the towing industry in Gaston County and beyond.
As the trial approaches, the community is closely watching to see how the court will rule and what measures will be taken to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The case has sparked a broader conversation about the need for stricter regulations and oversight in the towing industry to protect consumers from unfair practices.
The trial is expected to draw significant attention from both the public and legal experts, as it could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future. The outcome will likely have far-reaching implications for the towing industry and for consumers who rely on these services.
As the trial date approaches, the community is also looking for ways to support the victims of predatory towing practices. Various advocacy groups and local organizations are working together to provide support and resources to those affected by these practices.
The case against Jack's Towing and Recovery Service, LLC, serves as a stark reminder of the importance of consumer protection and the need for clear, enforceable regulations in all industries, including the towing industry. It is a case that could have a lasting impact on how businesses operate and how consumers are protected in Gaston County and beyond.
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