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 conducting trespass tows from private parking lots and refusing to accept credit card payments from customers.
The lawsuit, which details several incidents, alleges that the company, owned by Marshall Gregory, towed vehicles from private properties across Gastonia, including a church, and demanded cash payments to release the vehicles. Social media reports indicate that some customers were charged over $1,000 to retrieve their vehicles.
Gastonia's Code of Ordinances prohibits towing services from conducting trespass tows without complying with specific provisions, including the posting of notice signs and the acceptance of credit and debit card payments. According to the ordinance, "No towing service shall conduct a trespass tow of a motor vehicle from a private parking lot for compensation when the point of origin of the tow is within the jurisdictional limits of the city without complying with the provisions of this article."
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 about March 20. 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.
In a video posted to social media in July, Jackson said, "If you're a towing company that follows the rules, you're good to go. 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, filed on June 11, 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, according to court records.
The case has drawn attention to the issue of predatory towing practices in the area. Local residents have expressed concern about the conduct of Jack's Towing and Recovery Service, LLC, and the potential impact on property owners and consumers.
Supporters of the lawsuit argue that the company's actions are not only illegal but also harmful to the community. They believe that the trial will serve as a crucial step in holding the company accountable for its actions and in preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Opponents of the lawsuit, however, argue that the city's actions are excessive and that the company should be given a fair chance to address the allegations. They contend that the trial may result in unnecessary legal costs and that the company's practices are not as harmful as the city claims.
As the trial approaches, the community awaits the outcome with a mix of hope and skepticism. Many hope that the trial will result in a favorable judgment for the city and that the company will be held accountable for its actions. Others remain skeptical of the city's motives and believe that the trial may be more about politics than about justice.
Regardless of the outcome, the case is likely to have a lasting impact on the towing industry in Gaston County and beyond. It serves as a reminder of the importance of enforcing laws and regulations that protect consumers and property owners from predatory practices.
The trial is expected to draw significant media attention and public interest. As the date of the trial approaches, the community will be closely watching to see how the case unfolds and what impact it will have on the future of towing services in the area.
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