Why is KC man facing 31 felony charges related to illegal towing still in business?
Illegal towing has been a problem in Kansas City for years. Questionable business practices prompted the city to ban tow truck drivers from soliciting tows at accident scenes and to double down on a state law that prohibits removing vehicles from private property without authorization.
But a case involving a notorious Kansas City tow operator who is now facing more than 30 counts of forgery suggests that there’s still more work to crack down on illegal practices.
In September, Allen “Jay” Bloodworth was charged in Jackson County with 31 counts of forgery, a Class D felony.
Bloodworth, the owner of Private Party Impound, is accused of illegally towing vehicles and forging property owners’ signatures on required paperwork. But incredibly, a judge has cleared the way for him to resume towing.
After an investigation by the Kansas City Police Department’s property crimes unit, prosecutors accused the businessman of authorizing tows from private property without consent. Bloodworth was initially ordered to stop towing vehicles under conditions of his bond, according to court documents.
But Jackson County Associate Judge Janette Kay Rodecap later lifted the restriction that barred Bloodworth from towing. Rodecap said that Bloodworth’s livelihood shouldn’t be adversely affected based on charges that have yet to be proven.
Speaking on Bloodworth’s behalf, attorney Edward Stump said Bloodworth is only accused of criminal acts and has not been convicted, adding that he should be allowed to earn a living.
Bloodworth has pleaded not guilty and should indeed be afforded due process. But the evidence that he should not be given the green light to continue towing is substantial.
In March, detectives discovered 16 cars reported stolen in Kansas City sitting on Bloodworth’s lot, according to court records.
Citing an ongoing investigation, Kansas City police and the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office declined to comment on whether Bloodworth is facing charges related to stolen vehicles. Rodecap is prohibited from commenting as well.
The criminal charges against Bloodworth stem from forged Department of Revenue forms sent to the Kansas City Police Department corresponding with the towing of 31 vehicles between April 2017 and November 2017.
Bloodworth is accused of forging the signatures of two people. According to court records, John Speakman and Sarah Mudd told investigators that Bloodworth did not have authorization to use their electronic signatures found on the tows in question.
In Kansas City, the process to legally tow a car from private property is simple. A property owner or manager must wait an hour to report illegally parked vehicles. Warning signs against illegal parking must be visible on the property.
After being summoned for service, the tow truck driver must contact police prior to removing a car and provide all pertinent information. Police will then check to see if the car has been reported stolen before giving the authorization to tow.
An officer and the property owner or delegate who ordered the tow must be present at the time of removal. The tow service then must obtain the valid signature of the property owner or manager.
In this case, no evidence exists to show that the 31 vehicles were rightfully towed, authorities allege.
“The fact that 16 cars reported stolen were found on Bloodworth’s lot shows that there is a continuing concern for the community related to his business practices,” prosecutors wrote in a court motion to ban Bloodworth from towing while the case makes its way through the judicial system. “His creditors and the community at large should be protected from these practices.
“Given Bloodworth’s propensity for deceptive and illegal practices in conducting business, the conditions were reasonable.”
How much more evidence is needed that he could do plenty more harm to the community while awaiting trial? As it stands now, though, Bloodworth can continue to prey on Kansas City residents.