Two more individuals have been accused of predatory towing and extortion, with charges filed in West Valley City, Utah, on October 10, 2024.
The details: Brad Duwayne Warner, 30, and Danalee Ashlyn Rodriguez, 20, faced charges of unlawful activity and theft by extortion. Both were employees of Bailout Towing.
- The towing company, led by Jason Samuel Lovato, was previously charged with numerous offenses, including robbery and theft.
- Investigations revealed the company targeted immigrant and minority truck drivers, unlawfully impounding semi-trucks and demanding high fees for their return.
What happened: The illegal operations involved strong-arm tactics, such as detaching trailers while drivers were asleep and holding vehicles for ransom.
- One instance involved a $943 charge for the return of a semi illegally taken using a skeleton key.
- Further, Lovato charged for extra storage time when ignoring retrieval requests, reported KSL News.
The impact: Multiple incidents between 2022 and 2023 have been documented where the company exploited drivers, causing financial strain and distress.
The legal proceedings against Lovato and his accomplices continue as authorities work to address these predatory practices.