Bay Area towing company faces $250,000 fine for arson

A towing company in the Bay Area faces a $250,000 fine after its operators allegedly set fire to competitors' tow trucks as part of a retaliation scheme. Jose Vicente Badillo, linked to Auto Towing and Specialty Towing, is indicted for conspiracy to commit arson. The incidents occurred between April and October 2023, with at least six tow trucks reportedly set ablaze. Badillo could face up to 20 years in prison and has additional federal charges for money laundering and insurance fraud in unrelated cases. Badillo's previous schemes involved submitting false insurance claims for damaged vehicles. He is scheduled to appear in court on March 20, 2025.