According to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of California, 29-year-old Jose Vicente Badillo was indicted on one count of conspiracy to commit arson. Badillo made his initial court appearance on the charge in federal district court Thursday morning.
Among the incidents allegedly linked to Badillo include a fire that burned two trucks in San Francisco on Apr. 4, 2023, another fire in San Francisco that burned a truck on Apr. 29, 2023, a fire in East Palo Alto that burned a truck on July 25, 2023, and a Oct. 3, 2023 fire in San Francisco that burned two trucks.
The indictment alleges that the purpose of the scheme was to drive more business to his two companies, Auto Towing and Specialty Towing, and to retaliate against competitors for perceived wrongs.
"This company intentionally misled and scammed people out of hundreds of dollars by illegally towing cars. Our City has no interest in contracting with exploitative businesses engaged in illegal conduct," Chiu said at the time.
Badillo is already facing federal charges in at least two other cases.
Prosecutors said Badillo is scheduled to be arraigned on Mar. 20 at 10:30 a.m. If convicted on the latest charge, Badillo faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( San Francisco towing company owner accused of plot to burn competing tow trucks )
Also on site :