GASTON COUNTY, N.C. – A local tow company in Gaston County is facing a trial after being accused of illegal towing practices, according to court records. Jack's Towing and Recovery Service, LLC, based in Lowell, is set to go to trial on charges that it conducted trespass tows from private parking lots and refused to accept credit card payments from customers.
The City of Gastonia filed a civil lawsuit against the company on March 20, citing several incidents where Jack's Towing is alleged to have towed vehicles from private properties, including a church, and demanded cash payments to return the vehicles. Social media reports indicate that some vehicle owners were charged over $1,000 to retrieve their cars.
Gastonia's Code of Ordinances prohibits towing services from conducting trespass tows within the city limits without complying with specific provisions. These include the posting of notice signs detailing the company's policies and the acceptance of credit and debit card payments. Jack's Towing is accused of failing to meet these requirements.
The business, owned by Marshall Gregory, was administratively dissolved by the North Carolina Secretary of State in November 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 take aggressive action against 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."
Gregory, who denies the allegations, has stated that he is not personally liable for the company's obligations or any alleged ordinance 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. In the meantime, the company's operations remain under scrutiny, and the outcome of the trial could have significant implications for the towing industry in Gaston County and beyond.
The case highlights the importance of consumer protection and the need for clear regulations in the towing industry. It also underscores the role of local governments in ensuring that businesses operate within the law and do not exploit their customers.
As the trial approaches, the community is closely watching to see how the court will rule and what impact the decision will have on Jack's Towing and the broader towing industry. The outcome could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future.
In the meantime, consumers are advised to be vigilant when dealing with towing services, ensuring that they are aware of their rights and the legal requirements that towing companies must adhere to.
The case of Jack's Towing and Recovery Service, LLC serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of predatory business practices and the importance of holding companies accountable for their actions. As the trial unfolds, it will be interesting to see how the legal system responds to these serious allegations and what changes, if any, will be implemented to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
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