In Gaston County, North Carolina, a local tow company is facing a trial over accusations of illegal towing practices. The City of Gastonia filed a civil lawsuit against Jack's Towing and Recovery Service, LLC, on March 20, 2026, charging the company with trespass tows from private parking lots and a refusal to accept credit card payments.
The lawsuit stems from several incidents where Jack's Towing and Recovery Service, owned by Marshall Gregory, is alleged to have towed vehicles from private properties across Gastonia, including a church. The owners of the towed vehicles were reportedly required to pay in cash, with some being charged over $1,000 to retrieve their vehicles.
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 certain provisions. These include the posting of notice signs on private properties and the inclusion of statements on these signs that credit and debit cards may be used for payment.
The business, which was administratively dissolved by the North Carolina Secretary of State on November 21, 2025, for failure to file an annual report, was reinstated on or around March 20. However, the company's practices have come under scrutiny following the civil lawsuit.
North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson has warned towing companies across the state that his office will aggressively pursue businesses 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, stating 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 the company from violating city towing ordinances in the future. The trial is set to begin on July 12, 2027.
The case has sparked a broader conversation about the need for transparency and accountability in the towing industry. Many residents and businesses in Gastonia are calling for stricter regulations and oversight to protect consumers from predatory towing practices.
As the trial approaches, the community awaits a decision that could have significant implications for the towing industry in Gaston County and beyond. The outcome of the case could set a precedent for how towing companies are regulated and held accountable for their actions.
The case also highlights the importance of consumers being aware of their rights when dealing with towing services. It is crucial for individuals to understand the legal requirements for towing companies and to report any violations to the appropriate authorities.
The trial against Jack's Towing and Recovery Service, LLC, is not only a legal battle but also a test of the industry's commitment to ethical practices. The outcome will likely have a lasting impact on the way towing services are conducted in Gaston County and potentially beyond.
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