GASTON COUNTY, N.C. – A Gaston County tow company, Jack's Towing and Recovery Service, LLC, is facing trial for alleged illegal towing practices, according to court records. The City of Gastonia filed a civil lawsuit against the company on March 20, citing trespass tows from private parking lots and a refusal to accept credit card payments as violations of city ordinances.
The complaint outlines several incidents where the company, owned by Marshall Gregory, is accused of towing vehicles from private properties across Gastonia, including a church, and demanding cash payments for the return of the vehicles. Social media reports indicate that some customers were charged over $1,000 to retrieve their cars.
Gastonia's Code of Ordinances prohibits towing services from conducting trespass tows within the city's jurisdictional limits without complying with specific provisions. These include the posting of notice signs detailing the terms of towing and payment methods, including the acceptance of credit and debit cards.
The business, which was administratively dissolved by the North Carolina Secretary of State in November 2025 for failing to file an annual report, was reinstated on or around March 20. 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.
Jackson's office has taken a strong stance against such practices, emphasizing that businesses that follow the law are welcome, but those that break it will face consequences. Court documents show that Gregory denies the allegations, stating that he is not personally liable for the company's obligations or violations.
The city is seeking an injunction to prevent Jack's Towing from violating city towing ordinances in the future. The trial is set to begin on July 12, 2027.
This case highlights the ongoing issue of predatory towing practices, which can leave vehicle owners at the mercy of tow companies that may not adhere to legal standards. The Gastonia lawsuit serves as a reminder of the importance of enforcing existing laws to protect consumers from unfair business practices.
The incident has drawn attention to the need for transparency and accountability within the towing industry. As the trial approaches, it remains to be seen what impact the case will have on the practices of Jack's Towing and other tow companies in the area.
The city's lawsuit against Jack's Towing is part of a broader effort to ensure that residents are not victimized by businesses that engage in illegal activities. The outcome of the trial could set a precedent for future cases and potentially lead to changes in local regulations to better protect consumers.
As the trial date approaches, the community is closely watching to see how the court will rule. The outcome could have significant implications for the towing industry in Gaston County and beyond.
In the meantime, the case serves as a cautionary tale for consumers to be vigilant about the services they use and to report any suspicious or illegal activities to local authorities.
The trial against Jack's Towing and Recovery Service, LLC is expected to bring clarity to the issue of illegal towing practices and could potentially lead to changes that protect consumers from predatory businesses in the future.
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