A Tennessee towing company that was already under legal fire is once again facing accusations of predatory practices, raising fresh questions about state enforcement efforts moving fast enough to protect consumers.
Last year, NewsChannel 5 first exposed complaints against Priority Records Service, which also operated as Johnny’s Towing. Customers described what they called nightmare experiences, accusing the company of questionable pricing, undisclosed fees, bait and switch tactics, and demands for cash or payment app transfers under threat of vehicle impoundment.
The investigation caught the attention of the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office, which filed a sweeping lawsuit against the company in Davidson County Chancery Court.
The nearly 400-page complaint alleged that Priority Records Service, its related entity Johnny’s Towing, and owner Jonathan May repeatedly violated the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act through unfair and deceptive business practices.
State officials sought a permanent injunction to prevent the company from continuing operations in the same manner. But months after the lawsuit was filed, new complaints suggest little may have changed.
Truck Owner Says Quote Nearly Tripled After Vehicle Was Hooked
One of the latest alleged victims is David Pugh, a trucking company owner who says he recently encountered the same pattern of conduct that sparked the original investigation. According to Pugh, one of his trucks experienced transmission troubles and needed a tow.
After calling around for quotes, he says Priority Records Service provided one of the lowest estimates at approximately $1,200 to $1,300.
That figure quickly changed.
Pugh says that about 45 minutes later, after the truck had already been hooked up, the company called back with a dramatically higher price. The new total was $3,800, nearly triple the original quote. He describes the moment as infuriating. In his view, once the vehicle was secured, he had little leverage to push back.
He also claims the payment terms shifted without warning. While the company had initially agreed to accept a credit card, Pugh says he was later told that credit cards were no longer accepted and that he would have to pay with cash or through Zelle.
He characterizes the experience as a setup, alleging that customers are given a low quote to secure the tow and then presented with a much higher bill once their vehicle is effectively in the company’s control.
New Complaints Emerge as State Lawsuit Moves Slowly
What makes this complaint particularly notable is the timing. Pugh says the incident occurred in mid-January, which is just a little over a month and a half after the State of Tennessee filed suit in an effort to stop the very practices he describes.
At the time of the lawsuit, Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti said his office was holding the company accountable for ripping people off. The complaint accused Priority Records Service and its owner of running what the state described as a predatory operation that harmed consumers across the region.
Yet court records indicate that despite being served more than two months earlier, the company and its owner had not yet responded to the state’s complaint at the time of the follow up report.
In a statement to NewsChannel 5, the Attorney General’s Office said it plans to press ahead vigorously with its enforcement action and encouraged affected consumers to contact the Division of Consumer Affairs.
Customers Grow Impatient as Alleged Practices Continue
Meanwhile, customers say they are growing tired of waiting for legal proceedings to play out. Some report discovering the prior investigation only after their own costly experiences.
Others say they assumed they were dealing with a reputable company, only to feel blindsided by sudden price hikes and strict payment demands.
NewsChannel 5 reports that it continues to hear from customers with recent complaints involving Priority Records Service and Johnny’s Towing. The station says it reached out to the company for comment.
For consumers, the situation underscores a familiar but costly lesson. When it comes to emergency towing, the price you are quoted may not always be the price you pay.