WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina | Suspect in Sumter tow truck scam may face more charges

Suspect in Sumter tow truck scam may face more charges

By Jody Barr - email

SUMTER, SC (WIS) - Sumter police officers say Joseph Falcone has scammed people by towing their cars and charging them all over the county.

Authorities may never have found out about the scheme if not for a woman who got towed, then got the investigation started.

"I'm not stupid," said Kathleen Threatt. "while it was going on, I'm thinking something's not right about this."

As it turns out, something wasn't. Threatt parked her car in a lot behind Tuomey Regional Medical Center, as she's done for eight years, then headed in to work her overnight shift. 
    
"The time it took me to park my car, walk in to the building and get to my desk, he was pulling around up front, which tells me he was sitting right there," said Threatt.

Sumter police investigators say Joseph Falcone, who owns USA Towing and Recovery, faked a towing contract with a Sumter business, then swindled at least two Tuomey employees whose cars he towed.

"In this particular case, we've had someone who has abused that public trust," said Sumter Police Captain Alvin Holston.

Holston says Falcone put up his own towing signs, then towed cars Falcone considered illegally parked in areas he targeted.

"Almost as if he was just hovering around the parking lot area looking for I would say prey, if you would, in my opinion," said Holston.

Police say Joseph Falcone used an unmarked tow truck in the crimes. Falcone operates his towing business out of his Wedgefield home, which is where he was Monday. Falcone declined to discuss his charges.
    
Now, people like Kathleen Threatt are looking to the justice system to get their money back. They're also using the experience as a lesson.

"Call the cops," said Threatt. "What was he going to do, run me over if I stood in front of his tow truck? On something like that, call the cops."

This case could soon get much more involved. Sumter police got several calls after we aired Joseph Falcone's mug shot last week. Now county investigators are looking at those cases, which could potentially bring more charges.
    
Falcone faces forgery, swindling and illegally obtaining a signature. He remains free on bond.

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• Sumter police: Wedgefield man illegally towed cars

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