‘Don’t ask questions’: Tow truck company owners told employees to overbill, JSO says

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JSO recovered institution fraudulently billed astatine slightest $104,000 implicit a two-year span

New details were released Wednesday successful the lawsuit of a begetter and lad charged with fraudulently overbilling customers with their tow company.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – New details were released Wednesday successful the lawsuit of a begetter and lad charged with fraudulently overbilling customers with their tow company.

Jacksonville Sheriff’s Officers arrested Gregory Gaylord, 64, and his lad Garrison Gaylord, 29, charging them some with organized fraud. They’re co-owners of Southern Wrecker & Recovery.

The institution they ran was 1 of the tow companies that constabulary would telephone to region cars from wrecks. The rates for that are expected to beryllium set, but detectives accidental their institution charged overmuch much than that.

A JSO probe discovered that the institution fraudulently billed astatine slightest $104,569.97 implicit a two-year span from 2018 to 2019.

“These fees were paid by car owners, security companies, different entities, oregon by auction. Upon speaking with witnesses and Suspect Gregory it was evident that the actions were intentional,” the warrant states.

Investigators spoke with respective employees who noted they had concerns astir the overbilling practices but claimed the owners told them: “Just bash similar you’re told and don’t inquire questions.”

The Florida Highway Patrol besides utilized the institution for clang responses.

State troopers sent the towing institution a missive claiming they overcharged FHP 18 times from July 2020 to October 2020.

There’s besides a civilian suit from a erstwhile concern spouse who accused the Gaylords of taking $3.6 cardinal from a associated concern task moving the First Coast Road Rangers and utilizing immoderate of that wealth for idiosyncratic expenses similar luxury cars.

News4JAX went by some of the Southern Wrecker & Recovery locations connected Jacksonville’s Westside connected Wednesday, they were open, but employees determination said they had nary comment.

The Gaylords person been released aft posting $75,000 bonds. FHP and JSO person chopped ties with the company.