Tow company owner, employee in court following fraud allegations

HOUSTONThe owner of a Houston tow company accused of overcharging drivers thousands of dollars was in court Monday morning.

Channel 2 Investigates first told you about Richard Gonzalez and how those in the industry say he managed to overcharge dozens of consumers — and even land a city Safe Clear contract — despite his criminal past.
   
Consumer expert Amy Davis was there waiting for Gonzalez at the courthouse.

"Mr. Gonzalez, how did you ever get a Safe Clear contract with your record?" Davis asked him, on his way out the 182nd District Court, referring to Gonzalez' insurance fraud and felony theft convictions. 

Channel 2 broke the story about Gonzalez' wrecker company, storage lot and auto body shop on Almeda Genoa last week.  Gonzalez scored a coveted city Safe Clear contract that lets him pick up stranded motorists and their vehicles along the South Loop. We uncovered more than 55 consumer complaints about Gonzalez' company overcharging and charging illegal fees to drivers down on their luck.

"They were being deceived into signing documents granting the body shop power of attorney and granting repairs that were in many cases unnecessary and then the customers were billed at grossly inflated charges," said Capt. Robert Manzo of HPD's Auto Theft Division.  

HPD investigators swarmed Gonzalez' property Thursday, arresting him and three other employees, charging them all with engaging in organized criminal activity.

"What do you have to say about the charges against you?" Davis asked Gonzalez at the courthouse. He didn't answer any questions and high profile attorney Rusty Hardin, who appeared with him in court, also refused to answer questions.

Brenda Awawdeh, 34, the notary who works for Gonzalez, also bonded out of jail and appeared in court Monday. She's accused of notarizing the documents consumers were allegedly tricked into signing.

"Did you actually see people sign those documents or did you notarize them after the fact?" Davis asked Awawdeh outside the courthouse. Awawdeh didn't answer. 

Houston City Council added three items to its agenda this week to revoke the contracts it has with Gonzalez's companies as a Safe Clear contractor. Channel 2 will be there to let you know what happens.


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