Crime

Boston man charged in alleged tow truck scam

Prosecutors have accused Tyrone Rutledge, of Boston, of allegedly extorting an unidentified victim for money after he towed her car.

November 6, 2024

2 minutes to read

Prosecutors charged a man for allegedly operating a tow truck without a valid license and attempting to extort a customer after towing her vehicle, the Suffolk County District Attorney said in a statement.

Court documents show Tyrone Rutledge, 33, of Boston, faces 10 charges related to an incident on Nov. 2. He pleaded guilty to all charges on Monday, documents said. Judge Maureen Flaherty set bail at $100, which Rutledge posted the same day.

Prosecutors: Rutledge allegedly ‘attempted to extort’ victim whose car he towed

Police said they met with a woman who said Rutledge extorted her on Nov. 2. The woman told police Rutledge towed her car that same evening.

According to prosecutors, the victim said she contacted “Up N Down Towing” company and spoke with Rutledge, who allegedly said he towed her car because it was improperly registered and not insured. However, prosecutors said they were able to verify that the victim’s car was both registered and insured.

“Rutledge then informed her that if she wanted her car back, she would have to go to his residence in Roxbury and provide cash,” prosecutors said. “Rutledge then told the victim he would return her car for $300.”

Officers were with the victim and on the scene when Rutledge drove by with a woman, identified as Brittney Rivera, in a tow truck. Police said they observed Rutledge allegedly switch seats with Rivera, so she was sitting in the passenger seat.

Prosecutors said officers recognized the suspect from an earlier police bulletin, accusing Rutledge of illegally towing cars and driving with a suspended license.

“After multiple ignored verbal commands, officers placed Rutledge into custody,” the statement said. “Rivera told officers ‘he wasn’t driving, I was!’ Rivera also did not comply with officers’ exit commands.”

The statement said officers found that Rivera’s license was also suspended, and the tow truck had improper plates.

“The only way we can move forward on these types of crimes is when victims come forward rather than simply giving in to whatever scam is being attempted on them. That’s exactly what this victim did, and she deserves a great deal of credit for her quick and correct decision,” the District Attorney said.

Representation for Rutledge could not be reached for comment.