A local towing company owner pleaded guilty to 52 separate criminal charges for unlawful towing activities.
Pamela Aryubi, owner of Gamma Towing, pleaded guilty to failing to release a vehicle its rightful owner as required by law and several other charges related to illegal vehicle impounds on Aug. 4, the City Attorney's office said.
A Gamma tow driver, Randy Sailsberry, also pleaded guilty to a charge of failing to return a car to its rightful owner when asked, the city attorneys said.
Both Aryubi and Sailsberry must return $4300 to their 15 victims. Aryubi must pay a court fine of $25,000, while Sailsberry must pay a fine of $3800, the office stated.
“This case demonstrates my office’s resolve to prosecute tow operators who flaunt laws designed to protect the public from abusive and sharp practices, and maintain a level playing field for competing businesses,” said City Attorney Jan Goldsmith. “We will not tolerate such practices and will prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law,” he added.
Both Aryubi and Sailsberry were placed on three years probation and have to perform 60 days of community service. Neither is allowed to perform any of the types of tows alleged in the complaint.
Another Gamma tow driver also pleaded guilty to violating the law, while a fourth Gamma employee, Leon Timmons, still has an active warrant out for his arrest.
