From News4JAX:
ASAP Towing owner says JSO investigation into possible organized fraud is retaliation for ongoing legal dispute
Warrant alleges ASAP Towing’s Westside location is being used to conceal evidence related to theft and organized fraud
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) believes people at an embattled Jacksonville towing company may be concealing evidence in violation of Florida theft and fraud statutes.
The JSO investigation appears to be following the money made from unclaimed cars sold by ASAP Towing, which was served with a search warrant by officers on Thursday. When a sale yields more money than it costs to impound the vehicle, those funds are supposed to be filed with the Clerk of Court.
The warrant, provided to the I-TEAM by ASAP Towing, shows JSO sought documents pertaining to the sale of vehicles, bank statements for all locations, or “any instrumentalities possessed or used in connection with the illegal activity.”
The company’s owner told News4JAX on Friday that he’s done nothing wrong.
Vince Serrano, President and CEO of ASAP Towing and Storage, said all four company locations were served on Friday.
He also said he’s cooperating and alleged the Sheriff’s Office is retaliating against him due to a legal dispute.
“I’ve done nothing but be a good steward for the people of Jacksonville. And when we impounded cars, I do my best fiduciary responsibility to get them all their monies that are due,” Serrano said.
After News4JAX posted a story Thursday about the warrant being served, dozens of people commented and claimed the company’s business practices are shady, and said things like they only take cash on the weekends.
“Well, you know what? I looked at all those comments, every single one. And the one thing that they all have in common: they were towed,” Serrano said.
Last year, JSO removed ASAP Towing from its rotation of tow companies after finding it removed a dozen cars from apartment complexes without the complex managers present, as required.
n a letter to the towing company, JSO wrote that it found an ASAP Towing employee also had an outside company that was being used to sign off on tows from apartment complexes, including a case where the property manager hadn’t approved removing the vehicles.
ASAP filed a lawsuit claiming that a property manager can give permission remotely.
Serrano said ASAP handed over documents related to the sale of 46 vehicles on Thursday, financial records from 2020 to the present and computer data images.
“Basically, all of our entire business,” he said.
Serrano said his business started with just one truck and it now has over 30. He declined to share how much profit ASAP Towing makes, but said when it comes to revenue, it’s “$10 million company.”
Serrano told the I-TEAM he lives in a $3 million house and thinks JSO doesn’t believe he deserves it.
“You know, a lot of people don’t want to see people do well. It’s an unfortunate thing in America. But I’ve worked really hard, honest day’s work for my entire life,” he said.
The warrant alleges ASAP’s Westside location is being used to conceal evidence related to theft and organized fraud worth more than $50,000.
Serrano is not facing charges right now and JSO said it’s an active investigation.
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Anne Maxwell
I-TEAM and general assignment reporter
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