PUC hearing: Staff says Topros LLC towed vehicles while permit suspended; seeks fines, refunds and cease-and-desist

Trial staff at the Colorado Public Utilities Commission presented investigators’ testimony and documents alleging that Topros LLC (doing business as TowPros) towed vehicles without proper authority while its towing permit was not in effect, and asked the administrative law judge to find violations, order refunds to vehicle owners and issue a cease‑and‑desist order.

Trial staff attorney Justin Cox opened the case by calling PUC investigators Jay Estrada and Joseph Potts. Investigator Jay Estrada (Colonel Investigator, Public Utilities Commission transportation section) testified that his probe of a March private‑property tow in Colorado Springs confirmed the tow occurred and that the vehicle owner paid $300 to recover the car. “They charged $300,” Estrada said while identifying the receipt and police incident screenshot staff introduced into evidence. Estrada testified the carrier’s permit was under summary suspension at the time of that tow because the required insurance documentation was not on file with the Commission, and that the carrier submitted missing policies afterward; he said the suspension was lifted on March 8 after the filings.

Investigator Joseph Potts (criminal…