DOJ Sues California Towing Firm for Illegally Selling Military Members' Vehicles

Key Details The U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit on March 25, 2026, against S & K Towing, Inc. in San Clemente, California for violating the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). The company allegedly sold or disposed of up to 148 vehicles owned by active-duty servicemembers between August 2020 and April 2025, many towed from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Why It Matters Under SCRA protections, towing companies must obtain a court order before selling or disposing of a servicemember's vehicle. S & K Towing's contract with Camp Pendleton required compliance with all federal and state laws, but the company allegedly ignored this requirement. Worsening the Violation In 2024, a Military Legal Assistance attorney contacted S & K Towing to inform them of the violations. A manager reportedly responded, "We do this all the time" and the company continued the illegal practice. Some vehicles were registered to Camp Pendleton addresses, and others were auctioned even after the company was told the owner was military. What's Next DOJ officials emphasized that servicemembers deserve legal protections while deployed, and towing companies must respect federal laws designed to safeguard those serving the country. The civil rights division is pursuing accountability for the widespread violations.