DOJ Sues Calif. Towing Firm Over Servicemembers’ Vehicles

The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against S & K Towing, Inc. of San Clemente, California, alleging violations of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) after the company allegedly auctioned vehicles belonging to active-duty military personnel without required court orders.

According to the complaint, between August 2020 and April 2025, S & K Towing sold or disposed of up to 148 vehicles, many towed from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Federal law requires towing companies to obtain a court order before selling vehicles owned by protected servicemembers, but officials say the company failed to comply despite contractual obligations to follow all applicable laws.

The lawsuit also alleges the company continued the practice even after being warned in May 2024 by a military legal assistance attorney. In some cases, vehicles were sold after the company had been informed the owners were in the military.

Federal officials emphasized that the law is designed to protect servicemembers who may be deployed or otherwise unable to respond to towing actions. The case seeks accountability and potential financial relief for affected individuals. Source: https://www.justice.gov