United States v. Tony’s Auto Center (S.D. Cal.)

On April 22, 2025, the United States entered into a settlement agreement resolving United States v. Tony’s Auto Center (S.D. Cal.).  The complaint, which was filed on August 23, 2024, alleges that Tony’s Auto Center, a towing company in Chula Vista, California, violated the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act by auctioning, without a court order, a vehicle belonging to a Navy Lieutenant while he was deployed at sea aboard an aircraft carrier.  The settlement agreement requires Tony’s Auto Center to adopt new SCRA-compliant procedures, pay $7,500 in damages to the Navy Lieutenant, and pay a $2,000 civil penalty to the United States.

Press Release - April 23, 2025
Press Release - August 23, 2024