Tony's Auto Center, a towing firm based in Chula Vista, California, has settled allegations that it breached the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) by auctioning a vehicle belonging to a deployed naval serviceman. This resolution follows a complaint by the United States regarding an incident involving U.S. Navy Lieutenant Jonathan Liongson.
In November 2022, Lieutenant Liongson left his 2011 Mazda 6 at a friend's residence before embarking on deployment aboard the USS Bunker Hill. During his deployment, the Chula Vista Police Department impounded the vehicle due to an expired registration. Subsequently, Tony's Auto Center towed and later auctioned the car without procuring the court order mandated by the SCRA. Upon returning from his deployment in March 2023, Lieutenant Liongson discovered that his car had been sold and contacted the towing company.
The SCRA mandates that a court order must be obtained before any entity holding a lien on a servicemember’s property can sell or dispose of it. U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon emphasized the necessity of this law: "The SCRA protects the rights of the men and women who serve in our Armed Forces, which allows them to devote their full attention to defending our country." He added that the sale of Lieutenant Liongson's car breached these protections.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon from the Civil Rights Division pointed out, "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.” Dhillon affirmed that this settlement serves as a caution to other towing companies.
As part of the settlement, Lieutenant Liongson will receive $7,500 in damages. Additionally, the United States will receive a $2,000 civil penalty, and Tony's Auto Center has agreed to implement new policies to avoid future SCRA violations.
This case was managed jointly by the Civil Rights Division’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly A. Reis oversaw the proceedings. The Justice Department has secured more than $481 million for over 147,000 servicemembers through SCRA enforcement since 2011.
Servicemembers suspecting SCRA violations can seek assistance from the nearest Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program Office. More details on the Justice Department’s SCRA enforcement can be found at their official website.
