<!–

–>

  • The government has sued a towing company for illegally auctioning a servicemember’s car.
  • The Lieutenant was deployed overseas at the time, and the Mazda was sold without a court order.
  • The car’s owner is getting $7,500, while the towing firm also has to pay a $2,000 civil penalty.

A California company is on the hook for nearly $10,000 after it allegedly towed and illegally auctioned a vehicle. Making matters worse, the car was owned by U.S. Navy Lieutenant Jonathan Liongson, who was deployed on the USS Bunker Hill at the time.

According to the Department of Justice, Liongson was preparing to be deployed, so he loaded his 2011 Mazda6 with personal items and parked it at a friend’s house. While overseas, Tony’s Auto Center towed the car and eventually sold it at auction.

Read: Dodge Dealer Allegedly Sold U.S. Soldier’s Demon 170 While Deployed In Iraq

This occurred despite the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, which required a court order to be obtained before the car was sold. Following the incident, the government sued the towing firm on Liongson’s behalf.

The two sides recently came to a settlement, which will see Liongson receive $7,500 in damages. While little is known about his former vehicle, Kelly Blue Book suggests a 2011 Mazda6 with 140,000 miles on the odometer would be worth between $4,800 and $7,400. That suggests a relatively fair payout, although prices can vary by mileage and equipment.

 Navy Officer’s Mazda Was Auctioned Off While He Was Deployed Overseas

The Fines and Policy Changes

In addition to the $7,500 compensation to Liongson, Tony’s Auto Center will have to pay a $2,000 civil penalty to the United States. The company will also be required to implement new policies to ensure they don’t violate the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act again in the future.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon of the Civil Rights Division said, “Members of our armed forces should not have to worry about their cars being auctioned off while they are deployed on missions defending our freedoms, liberties, and rights.” She added, “This settlement should send a strong message to other towing companies that they should not take advantage of our servicemembers while they are keeping Americans safe.”

More: Texas City And Towing Firms Fined For Wrongly Auctioning 176 Deployed Soldiers’ Vehicles

The government went on to note they’ve obtained over $481 million in monetary relief for over 147,000 servicemembers through its enforcement of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act since 2011. Those seeking assistance are advised to contact their nearest Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program Office.

 Navy Officer’s Mazda Was Auctioned Off While He Was Deployed Overseas