Judge Throws Out Case Against Maine Towing Companies

A federal judge has dismissed a civil lawsuit against several towing companies, in addition to law enforcement and state agencies claiming that they were part of a multicounty scheme to illegally seize and sell vehicles. 

The complaint was filed by suspended lawyer Scott Fenstermaker for three plaintiffs who had their cars taken by law enforcement officers following traffic stops and a minor crash. 

"Because the plaintiffs have not appeared or otherwise responded since the initial filing of their complaint in February 2023, and because they failed to comply with the court's order, dismissal is warranted," U.S. District Judge Jon Levy wrote/ 

Fenstermaker's license was suspended after he was charged with trespassing at Therriens Used Cars Towing & Recycling, one of the companies he alleged was involved in the conspiracy. 

Tow companies named in the suit were Therriens Used Cars Towing & Recycling and its owners, Dave's Auto Repair & Towing, and All Time Towing & Automotive. Other parties named in the lawsuit were the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, the Maine secretary of state, the Washington and Hancock county sheriff's departments, and the Ellsworth and Dexter police departments. 

In each case, it claimed that law enforcement used the private towing companies to remove the plaintiffs' cars following infractions and crashes, and gave the plaintiffs various reasons why they couldn't get their cars back. 

The complaint then alleged that the towing companies were taking advantage of the BMV's title transfer law to get ownership of the vehicles and sell them. 

Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said in a written statement that she was pleased with the dismissal. 

"We appreciate the court's dismissal of this case," Bellows said. "The Bureau of Motor Vehicles stands by the integrity of our excellent customer service to the people of Maine." 

Source: finance.yahoo.com/