Tow truck owner charged, what to know before your next tow

(WFSB) - The owner of a tow truck company in East Haven is accused of overcharging customers thousands of dollars.

Melissa Rivera is charged with third degree larceny. She had her first court appearance Wednesday March 20th.

When you’re broken down and need a tow, you have limited options. Mark Parisi had his car break down on the highway in East Haven recently.

“I mean it’s a scary feeling. I had to have my car towed off the highway right over here, and it just feels like you can’t wait for them to get there, nervous. God forbid, somebody hits you,” said Parisi

One Source Towing in East Haven is one of the companies answering those calls. One Source Towing was on the police department’s tow rotation list. However, on January 5, 2024 officers received a complaint about the company.

Rivera’s arrest warrant says on January 5th, an East Haven officer called for a tow after a motor vehicle stop. The arrest warrant says the car’s owner asked the officer why he was being asked to pay $263 for the car to be towed less than a mile. The tow truck driver explained there was a $107 “administrative fee” and a $16 “fuel surcharge”. The officer then canceled the tow and started an investigation.

Officers reviewed all receipts from One Source Towing for the department from July 2023 through July 2024.

Court records say the review found the below totals in miscellaneous fees:

• Administration fees: $5804.48
• Fuel surcharges: $296.26
• Unloaded/enroute mileage: $478.92
• Loaded mileage: $442.41

All of those fees cannot be applied under Connecticut state law. In total, East Haven police say they found $7058.07 of improper fees.

“I mean I don’t see an administrator coming out and towing my car,” said Parisi.

The I-Team reviewed state law to see what you can be charged. Right now, the maximum tow for a standard car or truck is $125. The base rate includes mileage to the scene and two miles once the car is loaded. After 2 loaded miles, you can be charged $5.65 per mile.

Rivera’s arrest warrant says the deputy chief spoke directly with Rivera about those rules in July. When questioned about the fees in January, Rivera told officers it was due to a glitch in their system.

Rivera was charged with 3rd degree larceny in March.

The I-Team tried getting Rivera’s side after her first court appearance. Rivera’s lawyer quickly said “no comment” before the I-Team could ask a question.

As of March 19th, One Source Towing had an active license to operate in Connecticut. However, East Haven police say the company has been suspended from its tow rotation.