KANSAS CITY—Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson announced a total of 18 felony charges have been filed against the owner of a Kansas City towing company and his mother, following an in-depth investigation by the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office, law enforcement, and the Department of Revenue Compliance and Investigation Bureau into illegal towing practices.
Donald Adamson and Lannette Adamson face four counts of Stealing, four counts of Forgery, and 1st Degree Harassment.
“After months of investigation by our assistant prosecutors and law enforcement partners, I am proud to present charges as we work to hold predatory towing companies accountable for their actions,” said Prosecutor Johnson. “The impact of illegal towing falls hardest on those already struggling financially, creating a snowball effect of towing fees, lost wages, transportation challenges, and stress piling up. I am proud of our team for building a strong case and bringing justice to victims impacted by these practices. We will not tolerate businesses that exploit hardworking people in Jackson County.”
The investigation revealed Metro Tow and Transport owner Donald Adamson and employee Lannette Adamson allegedly acted in concert to allow the company to tow vehicles illegally without proper authorization; falsified required 4669 Forms; and made it extremely difficult for victims to retrieve their vehicles.
State law requires towing companies to have a properly completed and signed 4669 Form with a signature from an authorized, full-time employee representative of the property who must also be present at the time of removal. Tow companies must also report vehicle information to police, so owners can be notified of the location of their vehicle. State law requires the property representative to provide an original signature and should not be photocopied.
According to court records, Kansas City police were made aware of numerous complaints and disputes related to Metro Tow and Transport over the past several years. Victims questioned the legitimacy of their tows and the lengthy, almost impossible tasks of retrieving their vehicles from the tow lot.
Donald has another active case from last year for similar illegal towing conduct.