Attorney General Dave Sunday wants a judge to fine a group of related Philadelphia-based towing companies about $224,000 for repeatedly violating city towing regulations and state law.
Angelina’s, Siani’s and Aubry’s towing firms, the AG’s Office alleges, should be found in contempt for violating a 2022 court agreement, stemming from a lawsuit brought two years prior by then attorney general and current governor Josh Shapiro. Miguel Caban Jr., one of the individuals involved with the companies, is also named as a defendant in the case.
“The terms of this settlement were very clear, yet these companies continue to improperly tow consumers’ vehicles, and charge exorbitant fees,” Sunday said in a statement Thursday. “Predatory towing is a scourge that causes tremendous anguish and financial burden for the vehicles’ owners, and will not be tolerated.”
City ordinance stipulates that towing businesses can charge $175 for removing most cars, SUVs and pickup trucks, along with a $25 per day storage fee. To tow a vehicle from private property, such as a parking lot or driveway, the company must have permission from the landowner.
The towing firms, as part of the settlement, agreed to adhere to local rules and Pennsylvania’s consumer protection law.
Drivers from Angelina’s and Siani’s patrolled areas and called the Philadelphia Parking Authority, even when they did not clear authorization to tow, the AG’s Office claims. They also added illegal “labor” fees and inflated taxes, according to the contempt petition. The companies, at times, allegedly demanded that vehicle owners pay in cash or through cellphone apps, another violation of the city’s regulations.
In one case from August 2024 presented by AG’s Office, the defendants, after contacting PPA to get a ticket placed, towed a car from an apartment building parking lot, even though the owner lived there and had a parking placard on the dashboard. They had to pay $270 to get the vehicle back, according to the filing.
Authorities report that they have received at least 38 complaints from drivers since the settlement was reached four years ago. The AG’s Office said it tried to subpoena tow slips and other paperwork, but the towing firms “failed to produce even a single document.”
An attorney representing the companies did not respond to a request for comment.
If the judge finds the towing businesses in contempt, victimized individuals could receive restitution payments, provided they file a complaint no later than 120 days after the court order.
Anyone who believes they have been impacted can submit their information online at attorneygeneral.gov, call 1-800-441-2555 or email scams@attorneygeneral.gov.
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