Woman sentenced to two years for towing scheme

A Main Street businesswoman was recently convicted of illegally having 20 cars towed in 2007.

Suzette Joan Diaz, 44, of Westminster, was convicted of conspiracy to commit vehicle taking for the 20 legally parked cars she caused to be taken by unauthorized towing, authorities said.

Diaz told police she was an agent for the businesses at 401 Main St., and successfully received a Private Property Impound authorization, authorities said. Diaz owns a business at 419 Main St.

Diaz worked with Medlin’s Towing in Westminster to have more than 20 vehicles towed between April 14 and May 11, 2007, police said. They began investigating after receiving many complaints about towing at that address.

She was sentenced to two years of state prison, which will be suspended if she complies with her probation terms; three years of formal probation; and 80 hours of community service. In addition, Diaz was ordered to pay $4,282 in restitution to the victims for the fees they were forced to pay.

— Candice Baker