PITTSBURGH — A tow truck driver 11 Investigates has been following for several years now appeared in court today to answer allegations of predatory towing.
But before the preliminary hearing got underway, Vince Fannick agreed to a plea bargain with prosecutors.
Chief Investigator Rick Earle has been following this case and he was in the courtroom when the deal was made.
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Earle said Fannick waived his right to a preliminary hearing Friday morning at the magistrate’s office in Greenfield.
Earle learned that Fannick has agreed to a plea deal.
Under the terms of that plea, he won’t tow anymore and he’s agreed to participate in a public service announcement on predatory towing.
After the court appearance, Fannick had nothing to say.
Fannick’s attorney, Wendy Williams, did speak with Earle.
Williams: He’s not going to talk to the press today.
Earle: Is he still towing?
Williams: No, he is not.
Earle: He’s out of the towing business?
Williams: Yes. Vince is just trying to do the right thing and put this behind him.
Earle: Are you happy with the plea bargain?
Williams: I’m never happy with a plea bargain. The only thing that makes me a happy gentleman is a not guilty verdict.
Earle first began investigating Fannick several years ago after complaints from drivers about outrageous towing rates for short tows.
Earle tried to talk to Fannick at his garage in the Strip District but he closed the door.
“I’d like to talk to him about this Fiat. Do you have anything to say?” asked Earle.
A driver told 11 Investigates he was charged thousands of dollars after Fannick towed his car several blocks.
“The $5,000 was for a ¼ mile tow from 25th and Penn to about a quarter mile down the road,” said Hunter Sessi.
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Allegheny County Police eventually charged Fannick with 151 criminal counts, including insurance fraud and theft by deception, accusing him of overcharging 36 customers more than 300 thousand dollars for short tows, mostly through their insurance companies.
Earle: A lot of money for short tows?
Williams: I mean, why didn’t the insurance companies say no and not pay?
Fannick’s attorney, investigators and prosecutors all declined to discuss the plea bargain.
But sources told 11 Investigates that Fannick will avoid jail time.
He will serve house arrest and he’s agreed not to tow anymore.
He will also pay restitution and he will do a public service announcement on predatory towing.
Investigators said they are satisfied with the plea agreement.
“It’s a significant penalty for predatory towing, so I believe it will send a message,” said Keith Cecotti, the investigator with Allegheny County Police who filed the charges against Fannick.
Fannick will appear in court again in May for a preliminary arraignment.
It’s unclear when the terms of the plea agreement will be finalized.
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