Please file suit against the wrecking yard county or who ever was involved. Make a stand to help protect the rest of us from this happening. Then the new "owner can be reimbursed for his expenses from purchasing a stolen vehicle. You get your truck back and those that were involved will think twice.
fk yeah, I'll throw $ into a go-fund-me to make them sorry. they could have just dropped it at your house as quick as they dropped it at the auction. they knew who belonged to you.
Please don’t let this end this way Tom. This is happening way too much to good honest people. The police department’s do not give a crap about anybody’s things that people have worked for and paid for. They don’t do there jobs.
@Roger Moore Careful talking about police and their failings in TH-cam comments. I've seen accounts get banned for nothing more than what you've said sadly... Corps vs everyone else is the reality we live in. If you have more money, then you are always right for some reason.
Tow truck driver sees a nice ride, tows it, hides it in their yard, waits for the bureaucracy to take course, then has a friend buy it at auction. I suspect that's how I lost my 83 Cutlass Supreme a few years back. They know exactly what they're doing.
Same thing happened to me. Legalized theft. Nothing you can do except to MAYBE call thetow company and tell them that you're a dispatcher for a big freight company and you have a truck broke down about 70 miles away and have them send the big tow truck to recover you.... That MIGHT make you feel better.
Airman in upper fla 1983 68 GTO disappeared 6 yrs later got notice it was going through process of being abandoned/title confiscation for unpaid bills. Unfortunately all witnesses were scattered.
Similar thing nearly happened to my father's car. Was a well built honda, dart block forged internals, made around 500hp. He had an accident with a car that cut him off and totaled the car, but the drivetrain was fine. The tow company that picked it up stashed it far back in a corner of the lot and they all looked real disappointed when I came to pick it up.
i have worked in the towing service for many years and here is how it works .after it was stolen from you #1 the vehicle is found abandoned.(you were supposed to be notified ) #2 tow company is called by local pd. ( you were supposed to be notified again ) #3 tow company has to research the legal owner and at that point, the legal owner has to be notified ( usually by an official return receipt letter) #4 if the owner (you) signs for the letter and does not contact the tow company in the stated time the vehicle is deemed abandoned and the tow company can legally sell it at auction. the auctions usually are conducted right on the tow company's property .
I think Tom just wants to know who would steal from him more than anything. He liked the truck and got F’d over in the long run. I don’t think he’s going to waste too much time on this other than finding out who took it… and Why?
@@NOQUARTER_ You never know. Getting a demand letter from an attorney can put the fear of God in some people, especially if there is criminal fraud involved (false report to police that you'd been contacted).
I’d love to see a continuation of this story. New owner seems like a good guy. I would certainly seek phone records that show a call was made to you. I also wonder why a certified letter was not sent.
Beginning to think the investigating cop is in the towing companies back pocket. Top marks for the new owner to go on camera with you and tell what he knows.
The Michigan secretary of state sends out letters within 20 days. The truck was last registered in Florida in 2018. Sounds to me the police department who took the stolen report dropped the ball.
I live in Alaska, and once owned 1 of 15 1991 Subaru Legacy Turbo Sedans in Rio Red with a 5-speed ever produced for the U.S. This exact same thing happened to me while I was in Hawaii going to school. I even found the vehicle later, could prove that it was mine and last registered to me before it was stolen, but the cops would rather crush it than return it to the rightful owner. One of fifteen vehicles ever sent to America, the grandfather of modern WRC cars, crushed because some donut eater would rather work less. You have my sympathies brother!
I feel your pain. Tow yards are shady. In my early 20s I had a 79 Z28 Camaro taken from me in a similar fashion. I even laid eyes on it in the tow yard and wasn't allowed to take back possession. Then magically it was stolen out of that locked yard with CCTV that night and never seen again.
I would contact one of your local news channels. They always have a "Channel 5 on Your Side" or some such feature that will put an investigative reporter on it. They may already be working on a story about this kind of BS. I've seen several do stories on crooked tow companies. And no company or PD wants to be on the 6:00 news for a corruption story. With any luck you get your truck back, and if not, you cause the people involved some pain.
Don't just let this go. Push back and get justice. This isn't okay and every day people don't get answer but you have a following and a presence and can maybe get justice.
My uncle has a tow truck/junk yard here in Fl. I've seen something similar. He picked up a car that snowbirds had in their winter home which was broken in to and stolen which they had no idea. The thieves used the car (2 yearold cadillac) to rob other homes. They got caught. My uncle towed the car. All he had to do was mail a letter to a residence which he mailed it to the one the car was stolen from( it was summer time) after 30 days they had a "auction" that my cousin conviently bought for the tow and storage fees somewhere around $1500.00. That car only had 20k miles when my cousin started driving it. Several years later he sold it for $6k with 50k or 60k miles on it. He got mad at me when i told him that was in my opinion dishonest. He said it was good business. If it was a legit auction, you know that truck was worth wayyyy more than the tow/storage bill meaning it would have brought more cash in than their total owed which by law the rest of the money is supposed to be sent to the previous owner (Tom). Seeing as that didn't happen, i say they know obs powerstrokes fetch good money, so to me it was a intentional screw job. Some people are too greedy
Steve Lehto is a lawyer with a youtube channel and he is also in Michigan. He may be worth contacting - he typically does lemon law stuff but he may be able to help.
I hope that some sort of resolution happens for you. I agree with many here do not let up. You and your team are kind souls that deserve answers and justice.
Sounds like from your story that the tow yard sent the certified letter to the house where the truck was private property towed. Once the tow company gets back to their yard they have to call law-enforcement to let them know that they’ve towed vehicle. At that time they would have been notified that the truck was reported stolen. So, the problem is that the recovering agency didn’t make contact with you letting you know that your truck had been recovered. Either the recovering agency, or the agency that you reported the theft to need to write you a check for the loss of your vehicle. In short, call an attorney you have a great case.!
Sorry to hear about your truck. This Sick week was the first time I've ever watched a Drag-n-Drive event. I was surprising glued to TH-cam all day for 5 days... I can't wait until Sick Summer.
Same thing happened to my brother with his truck and boat. The yard claimed they "notified" him, the only way he found it was by calling every yard in the area until he found it, 28 days into the 30 day hold.
Please follow this up and don't let it go. It will make for great viewing but also help other people going through the same thing with less means to fight against the corruption. The bloke in the red flanno sounds like a decent bloke who got caught up in a mess so it sux for both of you guys. Hopefully it works out for you both
Wow! The telegram above says I just won a red Ford Dually Pickup Truck! All they need is my credit card number and my social security number and all my bank account information
Sam's workshop is insane! Tom you need to take this stolen truck issue further, if you let it go some poor sod is just going to be the next victim. And the next victim most likely wont be in such a good position as you and me (plenty of other cars to drive)
Mind blowing...you just might have exposed a cop racket like photo red-light tickets here in Kissimmee. They have no idea how much exposure you have so perhaps that can give you some leverage to get it resolved.They'll probably be happy to get it straight for you as long as you don't blow the whistle on them. LOL
The towns/cities get a small fraction of the "fees" from those red light cams, the rest goes to the private companies that our politicians sold us out to.
As others have said, get a lawyer involved. If they don't have a record of attempting to notify you you have a case. You might not get the truck back as the sale and new title are probably legal. But, the folks who did it should still be on the hook.
That’s a bullsh*t situation, Tom. Kinda hope you can get to the bottom of it On a lighter note, wanted to say that sick week was a blast for me and my daughter in sick ward and wanted to thank you for signing the hood on our charger 👍🏻
I would assume you owned that truck out right , so when the towing company published the lean probably a 90-day lean that gives creditors a chance to step up but since your truck had some obvious value the towing company wasn't interested in making sure you got it back
the laws with a towed and impounded car/truck vary state to state. In my state (WA) if you get the notice, you owe the towing and impound bill for the time it was in the lot. if you don't want to pay the bill you can surrender the title & they sell it at auction. if the auction price covers the bill, then any over that bill gets sent back to you; if it doesn't, you still owe the rest and it will be added to you driver license fee when you renew. if it goes to auction, it's now the new owners property, and they have no requirement to contact the previous owner. i've bought a few cars out of towing auctions, it's a great place to find fixers at a steal sometimes or just parts in general. but there's lots of garbage, and the occasional yuk factor(paraphenalia, crack rocks, general nastyness, etc)
This happens all the time. The towing company probably stole the truck. They towed it and hid it long enough to sell it. Very common. Don't let up and keep us posted.
@@bobroberts2371 No, it literally happens all the time. There have been a bunch of documentaries on it. Another big one is that they claim they found your car on blocks and sell the wheels after charging you extra labor to put the junk wheels on it. Look into it.
@@bobroberts2371 You couldn't be more wrong. This has been going on for decades and happens every day all day 365 days a year. This isn't new and it's a very well known shady practice.
I work for a major tow company in Indianapolis and I will tell you it happens more than you would like to thank State Police recover them they go to the yard immediately have a astronomical that no one but the owner is responsible for and no one but the owner can pick up the vehicle and you have to jump through hoops for about 45 minutes to an hour and if it's license insured and you have a title and or and or registration in your name you might be able to get it back sorry to hear about the bad luck take care and God bless
Last one, if you put vehicles in 2 names, like you and your wife , son etc, then you can have 2 notifications that have to be sent by certified mail, they will purposely send it to a previous address you may have had, or list the vin wrong so it doesn’t get flagged by police. Thanks for putting on sick week, loved watching everyone enjoying Florida weather. Be safe, sorry for the rant, but I feel you 100% with that shady process they say is legal.
You would think the state dmv would have attempted to contact you before re registering it. Just unbelievable! I hope someone is held responsible for this. This is a complete failure across the board. Starting with the police department and followed through by all the following hands the dmv, title, registration, state,lean holder, inpound yard. It truly is astonishing that no one caught or question the mistakes along the way! Wish you luck with this. WOW!!
Back in the 90’s, our family’s 90 Suburban 2500 454 was stolen. A pd 3 miles away kept it in their impound over the 30 days/insurance period so someone could buy it at an auction.
That happened to me with a 78' Malibu back in the early 90's. A friend said I could store it at his house. His dad had it towed away by a local towing company in Ionia Michigan. Never got contacted it was towed. By the time I found out about they towing company wanted more money than I had at the time to get it back.
Firstly. Watched everyday of Sick Week. This 70 year old man was glued to the screen. Thanks. Moving on. Screw the popo. Had my 86 K10 stolen off the farm last summer. Owned it since new. Unique looking Custom Deluxe. Had only occasional use in the last 20 years. Every truck guy in this area knew this truck, 1of a kind. Almost as soon as the trailer hit the street I started getting calls. Tracked it immediately to someone in the next county who had bought it. Called my local popo to report it, gave them the dope head thiefs name, his description, truck and trailer description. Told them I had located it and made arrangements to recover it. They called S.O. in couny where it was located. Before I could get over there they impounded it. Didn't call me to let me know. I found out because the wrecker driver knew me and the truck, called the guy I used to work for and he called me. Stick it in and twirl it around a few times. I did ALL the work. Popo didn't even have to put their donuts down. Easiest investigation ever. And I still got screwed. The truck had taken some damage and I wasn't even sure I wanted it back. Some guy on the street saw it, got me number and I sold it to him for about $2,200 less than i had paid for it new. This was not a really nice truck, figured I came out ok. Also had a highly modified 68 XLCH Sportster and a 2000 750SS Duc stolen off the farm several years ago. About 3 years later I got a call from the Clevland Tn. popo saying they had recovered the Duc. Towing company immediately called me and sent pictures BEFORE it was even unloaded. A good guy. It was not my bike. Totally trashed 600 Monster. Would cost me $125 to get it back. Did get a certified letter. Said screw it and went and got it anyway. I really wonder about the intelligence of LEO. Sold it for $500. Good riddance. L
I'm telling you man the state of Michigan's going to hell in a hand basket. That really says something for the cops of your city for the fact they couldn't stop by your shop or your house to let you know your truck was recovered. Something just doesn't add up somebody needs to take some accountability
Same thing just happened to a lady in San Diego , she bought a car from someone that had bought it at an auction and a few weeks later it was “ repossessed “ by Hertz rent a car who said they still own it . The car is still at a tow yard till they can figure it out .
I'd be getting phone records to see if they actually did call. I'd bet they never did. Eager to see how this plays out. At least the truck isn't chopped up or destroyed.
They don't need that. They just need to get the phone from the police and the judge can issue a warrant for that. Then they just have to go and look at the log of that phone.
I had a car stolen , found it , but then LAPD detectives put a evidence hold on it and sent to police impound , finally after ten days I get a call , come get your car . I got stuck with a thousand dollars worth of towing and impound fees and the impound lot stole and stripped about 1600 bucks worth of goodies out of the car that were in it when I found it six blocks from my house . Never should have called the cops , I got robbed twice .
This is nothing new, these impound companies do this stuff. many years ago in Royal Oak, A and M towing ran the impound. Every time mine or my brothers car was impounded ( ROPD didn't like us) the battery would be gone, anything of value in the car, gone. Then one night I broke a tie rod, on my street where the car was registered. I walked home, went back a few hours later to fix it. Car is gone. called ROPD, nope we don't have it they said. Rode my bike to the impound, saw the car A and M still says they don't have it. I was just a kid. By the end of this, I was arrested for kicking open the door at the police station, had 9 stitches in my had and never recovered the the car.
I am certain Tom has the "means" to make this "right". Where unfortunately many may not. It all depends on how pissed Tom is and how much he wants to prove a point. I kinda get the impression this will NOT be the end of this! ;) If that happened to a broke family we would never hear about it and they would be SOL!
Sam's comment reminds me of when I worked for a tow company in the 70's. I would ride along when the owner had a big truck recovery to wrangle chains ect. When I as a 23 year old jumped down from the wrecker bed he would say that will bother you when you get older. Just had a knee replacement a couple years ago.
You're probably not alone, Tom. Maybe talk to your lawyer about what would take to find other victims of that screwed up system and file a class action lawsuit on a contingency deal? Good luck, Bud! I dig your channel!
Yep, the incident is being portrayed by law enforcement and the yard as an isolated incident. It is not. I'm not here to accuse anyone but with a bit of imagination I think most people can figure out what's likely taking place.
@@Godscountry2732 Actually, the situation in Michigan,, especially including Detroit, are clear, obvious, certain, absolute illegal, unlawful, and Unconstitutional behavior, actions by PD, officials, 'politicians' and legislation !! This sale is actually not "Legal" but rather forced upon the owner illegally by the Towing company, which should never be given any 'legal rights' to claim ownership, then sell it. Period. Simple. => possession wi 10/10 in Laws + title in this case. There is NO legal proof of, with any valid, legal transfer of ownership from Tom Bailey [or whoever is the titled owner (maybe his company or family member)] Thee truck is actually legally stil Tom Bailey's - he has the one legal title. The other man that bought the vehicle from the towing company in an 'auction', now knows it the sale was invalid and should actually not attempt to acquire and retain the vehicle as he did and does. The man that bought the truck should clearly forego his claims, and thus request the towing company to reimburse him for the sale price and other costs. The situation is actually between the buyer and the towing company. Tom Bailey can certainly be helpful with providing the necessary information to substantate the theft and thus invalid, illegal sale to assist the buyer to have the sale payment returned by the towing company. Tom, should never have allowed the truyck to be taken from him again. Let the buyer proceed with legal action and also let the PD attempt to proceed with their invalid, illegal actions -> in other words for ce them to follow the laws properly. Then if the courts will allow this, further legal action need be suit against the PD, towing company and invalid, illegal, unlawful, unconstitutional legislation. But, Tom is such a 'nice guy', that he will forego his rightful, legal ownership -> he accepts the PD claims, forced to have the truck towed [another useless, paid expense to another PD contracted towing company (another clear falsehood, corruption ! ) -> experienced this type of "PD contracted towing" in LA three times a. my vehicle was damaged in a collision - unable to drive it - radiator was punctured -> LAPD officer called for a 'tow truck' -> it was after 12 midnight, also had AAA coverage -> but LAPD officer directed the towing -> had to pay to remove my vehicle the next day including [high] towing and storage fees -> AAA towed to my selected shop b. my vehicle was damaged in a collision - unable to drive it - radiator was punctured -> LAPD officer called for a 'tow truck' -> occured Sunday, Labor Day weekend, my wife was noticeably pregnant, very warm day, on local I-Freeway -> wanted to have AAA called to tow my vehicle home, to repair myself - LAPD officer insisted to have it towed and using several excuses; warm day, wife pregnant, wait will be long -> gave in to the LAPD officer -> cost me again additional high towing and storage fees/charges. c. sold my car to a friend's brother for a low market value price -> help out the brother -> a couple years later, received in the mail a notice from a 'towing company' stating the vehicle was in their lot for 'x 'period of time, with 'y' amount of parking tickets, violations -> clearly the buyer never transferred the title ownership and registered the vehicle - contacted the friend about his brother and the vehicle -> friend told me his brother had been negligent, untrustworthy, if i want the vehicle to go and get it if it is worthwhile -> went to the lot, viewed the vehicle to see its condition -> in short not worthwhile to take it and pay the costs. -> at least they were not able to sell, auction it without properly contacting me with verification, and certainly a more reasonable time period to from me to respond, reply and determine -> Emelia Hartford had a similar situation in the LA, SoCal Area with a vehicle she sold, then received massive parking ticket fines mailed from the DMV for that vehicle -> she responded to the DMV she sold it, but the DMV continued to send the notices, letters and more ticket, fines, penalties -> then managed to locate the vehicle -> she posted on her channel some recorded videos with the condition, location of the vehicle, person involved [not the buyer] and recovery =>Also see on the VinWiki channel what occurred with a company vehicle, Lamborghini, which was 'illegally' seized by Detroit PD, PD Chief use, damage, costs, and eventual return => Clearly from the Gov, SoS, PD, etc. Michigan State, Counties, Cities, local are proven full of corruption leegal, unlawful, unconstitutional behavior, actions, practice, certainly including all levels of 'politicians', officials, through legislation -> all political parities -> as exists within every location, area, State, county, city, local within the USA currently and for decades; many over 120 years.. @Tom Bailey; All The Best and Much Success in Your Quest, Health, Happiness and Well Being. Sincerely
@@newtonfirefly3584 brother, stop commenting on things right after you took an Adderall. I mean Jesus Christ did you even look how long your novel is? It gave me anxiety just looking at it.
Planning on going to the next for Shure!!! Thanks for all the hard work Tommy ! Without you this wouldn't have happened, and only one person got hurt. The transmission jack thing is great...
I may have not watched all you're content on sick week but I did follow alot of other channels keeping up while being at king of the hammers. I heard alot of things were better this year keep up the amazing work we appreciate all you do!
Plz don't let this go this is county corruption at its worst. No telling how much this happens. It probably won't have any returns as far as cost to look into it and do something about it. we all got to stand for something and Pricipals should be it..good luck Tom
Better get your attorney involved! That would downright P me off!!! I’ll bet that investigator couldn’t find their own car keys if they lost them. I’m sure they have phone records from “calling you “. I hope it all works out somehow. Thanks for providing everyone with another Sick Week!!!
5:57 When it comes to roll up doors, it's ether all the way up or all the way down! That way the guy that opens it, they won't be embarrassed when he/she drives into it!
Brother I'm sorry to hear you had to go through that nonsense here in Missouri we have to send out certified letters and have proof we did it to try to contact the owners
Unbelievable that this can happen. They probably contacted the previous owner of that house instead of the person that filed out the crime report when it was stolen. Just amazing as there are many new ways we can get screwed. Me and my siblings are dealing with a similar situation on my late Dad’s house. Been 3 1/2 years trying to get fixed.
I get that it's probably a losing battle to get an attorney involved on the yard that allegedly sold the truck, but on principle I'd fight them over it.
My dad had something similar happen had his truck at a private mechanic he was licensed as we are in Canada, but the mechanic was working out of his home garage, kept telling my dad he was still working in the vehicle trying to figure out the problem. Finally my dad got fed up and went to pick up his truck and take it elsewhere. But the mechanic decided a week prior that he couldn’t figure out the problem and wasn’t gonna get paid so he signed the bill of sale to himself forging my dad’s signature and took the truck to pick and pull. Nothing we could do about it other than go look at it in the pick n pull yard 😢. Was a pretty messed up situation!
15:45 You would have had to Pay a Tow Bill and Storage Each Day it Was There. I bet the Storage Lot Bought it. I See This Thing Happen in Houston Tx. I drove a Tow Truck for Over Two Decades. Now I am in Medical Field. I worked in Florida years back. After a Hurricane. Back then State Law was Storage Yards Had to Notify By CERTIFIED MAIL. If Registered out of State. Then an Article had to be posted in Local Newspaper where Registered Owner Resided. Hope This Helps. I am Sharing Your Story to all my Friends and Family in Florida.
Absolutely crazy! I live in CT and when we would pickup a vehicle of any kind That was “abandoned” we have to make contact with the owner via certified mail and wait X amount of days before we could do anything then we have to file paperwork with the state which is a whole process in itself and then we can either sell it or send it to the junk yard If the vehicle is stolen when the police would call us to get it they would already see in their system that the vehicle was reported stolen and tell us and they would contact the owner and also give us the information to try and contact them as well This is crazy definitely would be cool to see some update videos!
Happens here in Indiana all the time. Towing companies around here have a list of vehicles that people want . So they will tow it , hide it and apply for a title and sell it. Definitely a loop hole that needs fixed.
I had my car stolen In Ludington Mi, I contacted the local Police. It was found in Grand Rapids a couple days later. Local Ludington Police contacted me, gave info on where it was , name of tow yard and phone # to contact for pick up. I had to pay tow and storage fee to get it out . Now , how did the my local Police find out it was 120 miles away in Grand Rapids? I would think the Tow company would call their local Police to find out info on the car and found it was reported stolen. Contacts were made and I got my car back. Reading through some of the replies here , many said check your phone records, contact a lawyer, I think Michigan law says they need to send certified letter notifying you of your found vehicle. And some thing in this story that has not been mentioned , Didn't you have insurance? Let us know with a follow up if anything come of this.
Please file suit against the wrecking yard county or who ever was involved. Make a stand to help protect the rest of us from this happening. Then the new "owner can be reimbursed for his expenses from purchasing a stolen vehicle. You get your truck back and those that were involved will think twice.
fk yeah, I'll throw $ into a go-fund-me to make them sorry. they could have just dropped it at your house as quick as they dropped it at the auction. they knew who belonged to you.
That’s unbelievable.
Wow.we sure live in some mixed up times!!
YES, It looks like someone either dropped the ball or just decided to screw you. GET A LAWYER. I would not let getting screwed go.
That's crazy should definitely get a lawyer and at least go after the tow company cause they clearly screwed u
Please don’t let this end this way Tom. This is happening way too much to good honest people. The police department’s do not give a crap about anybody’s things that people have worked for and paid for. They don’t do there jobs.
@Roger Moore Careful talking about police and their failings in TH-cam comments. I've seen accounts get banned for nothing more than what you've said sadly... Corps vs everyone else is the reality we live in. If you have more money, then you are always right for some reason.
Call Steve Lehto ASAP! He is an automotive Attorney in Michigan and LOVES this type of stuff!
I had the same thought. Or maybe they do a collaborative video and Steve can explain how this happens.
I sent Steve a link to the video. This would make a great video for both of them.
Great idea I just found his channel about a week ago and subscribed
Smells like a duck, walks like a duck, looks like a duck…must be a duck!! You got scammed!
he has a video about this exact thing on his channel
Love seeing Sam around everyone he's such a wholesome guy that genuinely cares about everyone
Tow truck driver sees a nice ride, tows it, hides it in their yard, waits for the bureaucracy to take course, then has a friend buy it at auction. I suspect that's how I lost my 83 Cutlass Supreme a few years back. They know exactly what they're doing.
Went through the same thing in South Florida long time ago. Ugh.
Same thing happened to me. Legalized theft. Nothing you can do except to MAYBE call thetow company and tell them that you're a dispatcher for a big freight company and you have a truck broke down about 70 miles away and have them send the big tow truck to recover you.... That MIGHT make you feel better.
Airman in upper fla 1983 68 GTO disappeared 6 yrs later got notice it was going through process of being abandoned/title confiscation for unpaid bills. Unfortunately all witnesses were scattered.
Similar thing nearly happened to my father's car. Was a well built honda, dart block forged internals, made around 500hp. He had an accident with a car that cut him off and totaled the car, but the drivetrain was fine. The tow company that picked it up stashed it far back in a corner of the lot and they all looked real disappointed when I came to pick it up.
Reading my mind…..
i have worked in the towing service for many years and here is how it works .after it was stolen from you
#1 the vehicle is found abandoned.(you were supposed to be notified )
#2 tow company is called by local pd. ( you were supposed to be notified again )
#3 tow company has to research the legal owner and at that point, the legal owner has to be notified ( usually by an official return receipt letter)
#4 if the owner (you) signs for the letter and does not contact the tow company in the stated time the vehicle is deemed abandoned and the tow company can legally sell it at auction. the auctions usually are conducted right on the tow company's property .
Call your phone company and get records to see if they actually tied to contact you, also get a lawyer.
He needs to call an attorney
I think Tom just wants to know who would steal from him more than anything. He liked the truck and got F’d over in the long run. I don’t think he’s going to waste too much time on this other than finding out who took it… and Why?
yeah, this is just wrong and stupid.
@patrickr2686 it would cost him 5 times as much or more to hire a lawyer and try fighting to get it back. It's not worth it in the long run.
@@NOQUARTER_ You never know. Getting a demand letter from an attorney can put the fear of God in some people, especially if there is criminal fraud involved (false report to police that you'd been contacted).
I’d love to see a continuation of this story. New owner seems like a good guy.
I would certainly seek phone records that show a call was made to you. I also wonder why a certified letter was not sent.
Beginning to think the investigating cop is in the towing companies back pocket. Top marks for the new owner to go on camera with you and tell what he knows.
Or one the cops wanted it.
Mr Sam is the best ... His stories, the way he comes up with quick little things .. We need him to do some color commentary
Sue the impound yard they should have notified you by certified mail or they can't sell it.
The Michigan secretary of state sends out letters within 20 days. The truck was last registered in Florida in 2018. Sounds to me the police department who took the stolen report dropped the ball.
20 days my foot, took 8 months to notify me and my address hasn't changed in 12 years
I live in Alaska, and once owned 1 of 15 1991 Subaru Legacy Turbo Sedans in Rio Red with a 5-speed ever produced for the U.S.
This exact same thing happened to me while I was in Hawaii going to school. I even found the vehicle later, could prove that it was mine and last registered to me before it was stolen, but the cops would rather crush it than return it to the rightful owner.
One of fifteen vehicles ever sent to America, the grandfather of modern WRC cars, crushed because some donut eater would rather work less.
You have my sympathies brother!
I feel your pain. Tow yards are shady. In my early 20s I had a 79 Z28 Camaro taken from me in a similar fashion. I even laid eyes on it in the tow yard and wasn't allowed to take back possession. Then magically it was stolen out of that locked yard with CCTV that night and never seen again.
You got to love Mr Sam he is an internet sensation the granddad we would all love to share a beer with🙂
I would contact one of your local news channels. They always have a "Channel 5 on Your Side" or some such feature that will put an investigative reporter on it. They may already be working on a story about this kind of BS. I've seen several do stories on crooked tow companies. And no company or PD wants to be on the 6:00 news for a corruption story.
With any luck you get your truck back, and if not, you cause the people involved some pain.
Don't just let this go. Push back and get justice. This isn't okay and every day people don't get answer but you have a following and a presence and can maybe get justice.
I would 100% open a case on this because sounds like the tow yard is the one that's took it in the 1st place.
This has to be the definition of shady, Legal action is needed here.
Gotta love Sam, what a great guy!
My uncle has a tow truck/junk yard here in Fl. I've seen something similar. He picked up a car that snowbirds had in their winter home which was broken in to and stolen which they had no idea. The thieves used the car (2 yearold cadillac) to rob other homes. They got caught. My uncle towed the car. All he had to do was mail a letter to a residence which he mailed it to the one the car was stolen from( it was summer time) after 30 days they had a "auction" that my cousin conviently bought for the tow and storage fees somewhere around $1500.00. That car only had 20k miles when my cousin started driving it. Several years later he sold it for $6k with 50k or 60k miles on it. He got mad at me when i told him that was in my opinion dishonest. He said it was good business.
If it was a legit auction, you know that truck was worth wayyyy more than the tow/storage bill meaning it would have brought more cash in than their total owed which by law the rest of the money is supposed to be sent to the previous owner (Tom). Seeing as that didn't happen, i say they know obs powerstrokes fetch good money, so to me it was a intentional screw job. Some people are too greedy
Should be able to pull your phone records to see of they did in fact call. Call their bluff
Mr Sam is just a friend to everyone. Awesome guy
Steve Lehto is a lawyer with a youtube channel and he is also in Michigan. He may be worth contacting - he typically does lemon law stuff but he may be able to help.
Please sir fight this and help protect anyone else from going thru this don't let these people walk on you or anyone else
I hope that some sort of resolution happens for you. I agree with many here do not let up. You and your team are kind souls that deserve answers and justice.
Yall do an amazing job, congratulations on an awesome Sick week! Sam is the Man!
Yes he is, God is working hard through that man...He blesses everything and everyone he is around
Sounds like from your story that the tow yard sent the certified letter to the house where the truck was private property towed. Once the tow company gets back to their yard they have to call law-enforcement to let them know that they’ve towed vehicle. At that time they would have been notified that the truck was reported stolen.
So, the problem is that the recovering agency didn’t make contact with you letting you know that your truck had been recovered. Either the recovering agency, or the agency that you reported the theft to need to write you a check for the loss of your vehicle. In short, call an attorney you have a great case.!
It isn't on the recovery company. Its on the detectives
@@FreedomInc I agree
Sorry to hear about your truck. This Sick week was the first time I've ever watched a Drag-n-Drive event. I was surprising glued to TH-cam all day for 5 days... I can't wait until Sick Summer.
This truck ordeal sounds like a job for "chillin with chet" 😂
Same thing happened to my brother with his truck and boat. The yard claimed they "notified" him, the only way he found it was by calling every yard in the area until he found it, 28 days into the 30 day hold.
Please follow this up and don't let it go. It will make for great viewing but also help other people going through the same thing with less means to fight against the corruption. The bloke in the red flanno sounds like a decent bloke who got caught up in a mess so it sux for both of you guys. Hopefully it works out for you both
Sam Lankford is STARING INTO MY SOUL (please don’t tell anyone what you see, Sam!) 7:33
Wow! The telegram above says I just won a red Ford Dually Pickup Truck! All they need is my credit card number and my social security number and all my bank account information
Watch out Tom, leaving your car in that shop, it will be buffed out to the point you won’t recognise it 😂
No more flat look to it for sure... After Sam gets ahold of it!!!
I bet Mr. Sam could shine a black top road to a mirror finish.
While Jackstand slowly walks over and starts stealing parts off it for his car lol
Please don’t let them get away with this! THIS IS THE BEST CONTENT!
Sam's workshop is insane! Tom you need to take this stolen truck issue further, if you let it go some poor sod is just going to be the next victim. And the next victim most likely wont be in such a good position as you and me (plenty of other cars to drive)
Mind blowing...you just might have exposed a cop racket like photo red-light tickets here in Kissimmee. They have no idea how much exposure you have so perhaps that can give you some leverage to get it resolved.They'll probably be happy to get it straight for you as long as you don't blow the whistle on them. LOL
The towns/cities get a small fraction of the "fees" from those red light cams, the rest goes to the private companies that our politicians sold us out to.
As others have said, get a lawyer involved. If they don't have a record of attempting to notify you you have a case. You might not get the truck back as the sale and new title are probably legal. But, the folks who did it should still be on the hook.
That’s a bullsh*t situation, Tom. Kinda hope you can get to the bottom of it
On a lighter note, wanted to say that sick week was a blast for me and my daughter in sick ward and wanted to thank you for signing the hood on our charger 👍🏻
Sick Week just blows my mind. The times that were run, plus driving the street miles is just incredible. It's a whole new world from the old days.
As a former tow truck operator I know exactly how this happened
Yup.
Do tell...
I would assume you owned that truck out right , so when the towing company published the lean probably a 90-day lean that gives creditors a chance to step up but since your truck had some obvious value the towing company wasn't interested in making sure you got it back
He needs to contact an attorney
@@patrickr2686 Sounds like one for Lehto's Law.
the laws with a towed and impounded car/truck vary state to state. In my state (WA) if you get the notice, you owe the towing and impound bill for the time it was in the lot. if you don't want to pay the bill you can surrender the title & they sell it at auction. if the auction price covers the bill, then any over that bill gets sent back to you; if it doesn't, you still owe the rest and it will be added to you driver license fee when you renew. if it goes to auction, it's now the new owners property, and they have no requirement to contact the previous owner. i've bought a few cars out of towing auctions, it's a great place to find fixers at a steal sometimes or just parts in general. but there's lots of garbage, and the occasional yuk factor(paraphenalia, crack rocks, general nastyness, etc)
This happens all the time. The towing company probably stole the truck. They towed it and hid it long enough to sell it. Very common. Don't let up and keep us posted.
That is about only going to work one time. After that a pattern is going to develop.
@@bobroberts2371 No, it literally happens all the time. There have been a bunch of documentaries on it. Another big one is that they claim they found your car on blocks and sell the wheels after charging you extra labor to put the junk wheels on it. Look into it.
@Bob Roberts you have to be looking to find a patt ern
@@bobroberts2371 You couldn't be more wrong. This has been going on for decades and happens every day all day 365 days a year. This isn't new and it's a very well known shady practice.
Pretty sure they must notify you in writing in most states. We need to make this viral. I'm furious for you right now. PLEASE don't let this go.
Not true
i agree with the auction theory. no incentive to aggressively contact previous owner when more money is made by selling to someone else.
I work for a major tow company in Indianapolis and I will tell you it happens more than you would like to thank State Police recover them they go to the yard immediately have a astronomical that no one but the owner is responsible for and no one but the owner can pick up the vehicle and you have to jump through hoops for about 45 minutes to an hour and if it's license insured and you have a title and or and or registration in your name you might be able to get it back sorry to hear about the bad luck take care and God bless
Do a freedom of information act on the case and release all the names of those that were involved the detective wreaking yard, etc
Tom, in my state they have to list it in public notice’s in newspapers for a specific period of time, before you forfeit it,
Last one, if you put vehicles in 2 names, like you and your wife , son etc, then you can have 2 notifications that have to be sent by certified mail, they will purposely send it to a previous address you may have had, or list the vin wrong so it doesn’t get flagged by police. Thanks for putting on sick week, loved watching everyone enjoying Florida weather. Be safe, sorry for the rant, but I feel you 100% with that shady process they say is legal.
Hahaha I love sam... just staring at the camera as Tom talks 😂
That sucks, their are some crooked towing companies in the world. We had a situation like this in Florida with a semi.
And crooked police as well. Follow the money...
You would think the state dmv would have attempted to contact you before re registering it. Just unbelievable! I hope someone is held responsible for this. This is a complete failure across the board. Starting with the police department and followed through by all the following hands the dmv, title, registration, state,lean holder, inpound yard. It truly is astonishing that no one caught or question the mistakes along the way! Wish you luck with this. WOW!!
Back in the 90’s, our family’s 90 Suburban 2500 454 was stolen. A pd 3 miles away kept it in their impound over the 30 days/insurance period so someone could buy it at an auction.
That happened to me with a 78' Malibu back in the early 90's. A friend said I could store it at his house. His dad had it towed away by a local towing company in Ionia Michigan. Never got contacted it was towed. By the time I found out about they towing company wanted more money than I had at the time to get it back.
We can’t let this slide. Have Cleetus talk about it on his channel and bet the tow yard reaches out to you lol.
If you want people to take this seriously, leave Garrett Mitchell out of it, especially the Cleetus McFarland persona.
I understand the suggestion, but nah wrong person and don't want to drag someone into it. It could lead to possible defamation if care isn't taken.
Firstly. Watched everyday of Sick Week. This 70 year old man was glued to the screen. Thanks.
Moving on. Screw the popo. Had my 86 K10 stolen off the farm last summer. Owned it since new. Unique looking Custom Deluxe. Had only occasional use in the last 20 years. Every truck guy in this area knew this truck, 1of a kind. Almost as soon as the trailer hit the street I started getting calls. Tracked it immediately to someone in the next county who had bought it. Called my local popo to report it, gave them the dope head thiefs name, his description, truck and trailer description. Told them I had located it and made arrangements to recover it. They called S.O. in couny where it was located. Before I could get over there they impounded it. Didn't call me to let me know. I found out because the wrecker driver knew me and the truck, called the guy I used to work for and he called me. Stick it in and twirl it around a few times.
I did ALL the work. Popo didn't even have to put their donuts down. Easiest investigation ever. And I still got screwed. The truck had taken some damage and I wasn't even sure I wanted it back. Some guy on the street saw it, got me number and I sold it to him for about $2,200 less than i had paid for it new. This was not a really nice truck, figured I came out ok.
Also had a highly modified 68 XLCH Sportster and a 2000 750SS Duc stolen off the farm several years ago. About 3 years later I got a call from the Clevland Tn. popo saying they had recovered the Duc. Towing company immediately called me and sent pictures BEFORE it was even unloaded. A good guy.
It was not my bike. Totally trashed 600 Monster. Would cost me $125 to get it back. Did get a certified letter. Said screw it and went and got it anyway. I really wonder about the intelligence of LEO. Sold it for $500. Good riddance.
L
I'm telling you man the state of Michigan's going to hell in a hand basket. That really says something for the cops of your city for the fact they couldn't stop by your shop or your house to let you know your truck was recovered. Something just doesn't add up somebody needs to take some accountability
He needs to call Steve Lehto
@@wingracer1614 amen
The Michigan government won't stop until all the productive people leave.
@@VFR75O yep and then it becomes Canadian Florida with only the crazys and elderly left
Same thing just happened to a lady in San Diego , she bought a car from someone that had bought it at an auction and a few weeks later it was “ repossessed “ by Hertz rent a car who said they still own it . The car is still at a tow yard till they can figure it out .
I'd be getting phone records to see if they actually did call.
I'd bet they never did.
Eager to see how this plays out.
At least the truck isn't chopped up or destroyed.
They don't need that. They just need to get the phone from the police and the judge can issue a warrant for that. Then they just have to go and look at the log of that phone.
I had a car stolen , found it , but then LAPD detectives put a evidence hold on it and sent to police impound , finally after ten days I get a call , come get your car . I got stuck with a thousand dollars worth of towing and impound fees and the impound lot stole and stripped about 1600 bucks worth of goodies out of the car that were in it when I found it six blocks from my house . Never should have called the cops , I got robbed twice .
Good stuff Tom!!! Big fan here!!!
Sorry about your truck that's a bummer sorry man.
Please file a suit against the wrecking yard and the police department as well.
It might be worth the fees to FOIA request all the info on the them trying to contact you. Something seems off on that whole chain of events
Yup.
I really like Sam. He's genuine, something you see less and less of nowadays.
The commentary with Sam is gold!!
I'm subscribing to see more about the stolen truck. I hope you get it back
Just seen the Durango at the Detroit autorama, looking awesome!!!
This sounds like something whistlindiesel would be outraged about and solve.
This is nothing new, these impound companies do this stuff. many years ago in Royal Oak, A and M towing ran the impound. Every time
mine or my brothers car was impounded ( ROPD didn't like us) the battery would be gone, anything of value in the car, gone.
Then one night I broke a tie rod, on my street where the car was registered. I walked home, went back a few hours later to fix it. Car is gone.
called ROPD, nope we don't have it they said. Rode my bike to the impound, saw the car A and M still says they don't have it. I was just a kid.
By the end of this, I was arrested for kicking open the door at the police station, had 9 stitches in my had and never recovered the the car.
I am certain Tom has the "means" to make this "right". Where unfortunately many may not. It all depends on how pissed Tom is and how much he wants to prove a point. I kinda get the impression this will NOT be the end of this! ;) If that happened to a broke family we would never hear about it and they would be SOL!
Worked at a tow company for 9 years. In Minnesota we have to send the current owner (you) a certified letter.
Unbelievable!! Sorry to hear. Always new ways to get bent over! Never ends
Sam's comment reminds me of when I worked for a tow company in the 70's. I would ride along when the owner had a big truck recovery to wrangle chains ect. When I as a 23 year old jumped down from the wrecker bed he would say that will bother you when you get older. Just had a knee replacement a couple years ago.
You're probably not alone, Tom. Maybe talk to your lawyer about what would take to find other victims of that screwed up system and file a class action lawsuit on a contingency deal? Good luck, Bud! I dig your channel!
Yep, the incident is being portrayed by law enforcement and the yard as an isolated incident. It is not. I'm not here to accuse anyone but with a bit of imagination I think most people can figure out what's likely taking place.
@@Godscountry2732 Actually, the situation in Michigan,, especially including Detroit, are clear, obvious, certain, absolute illegal, unlawful, and Unconstitutional behavior, actions by PD, officials, 'politicians' and legislation !!
This sale is actually not "Legal" but rather forced upon the owner illegally by the Towing company, which should never be given any 'legal rights' to claim ownership, then sell it. Period. Simple. => possession wi 10/10 in Laws + title in this case. There is NO legal proof of, with any valid, legal transfer of ownership from Tom Bailey [or whoever is the titled owner (maybe his company or family member)]
Thee truck is actually legally stil Tom Bailey's - he has the one legal title. The other man that bought the vehicle from the towing company in an 'auction', now knows it the sale was invalid and should actually not attempt to acquire and retain the vehicle as he did and does.
The man that bought the truck should clearly forego his claims, and thus request the towing company to reimburse him for the sale price and other costs. The situation is actually between the buyer and the towing company. Tom Bailey can certainly be helpful with providing the necessary information to substantate the theft and thus invalid, illegal sale to assist the buyer to have the sale payment returned by the towing company.
Tom, should never have allowed the truyck to be taken from him again. Let the buyer proceed with legal action and also let the PD attempt to proceed with their invalid, illegal actions -> in other words for ce them to follow the laws properly. Then if the courts will allow this, further legal action need be suit against the PD, towing company and invalid, illegal, unlawful, unconstitutional legislation.
But, Tom is such a 'nice guy', that he will forego his rightful, legal ownership -> he accepts the PD claims, forced to have the truck towed [another useless, paid expense to another PD contracted towing company (another clear falsehood, corruption ! )
-> experienced this type of "PD contracted towing" in LA three times
a. my vehicle was damaged in a collision - unable to drive it - radiator was punctured -> LAPD officer called for a 'tow truck' -> it was after 12 midnight, also had AAA coverage -> but LAPD officer directed the towing -> had to pay to remove my vehicle the next day including [high] towing and storage fees -> AAA towed to my selected shop
b. my vehicle was damaged in a collision - unable to drive it - radiator was punctured -> LAPD officer called for a 'tow truck' -> occured Sunday, Labor Day weekend, my wife was noticeably pregnant, very warm day, on local I-Freeway -> wanted to have AAA called to tow my vehicle home, to repair myself - LAPD officer insisted to have it towed and using several excuses; warm day, wife pregnant, wait will be long -> gave in to the LAPD officer -> cost me again additional high towing and storage fees/charges.
c. sold my car to a friend's brother for a low market value price -> help out the brother -> a couple years later, received in the mail a notice from a 'towing company' stating the vehicle was in their lot for 'x 'period of time, with 'y' amount of parking tickets, violations -> clearly the buyer never transferred the title ownership and registered the vehicle - contacted the friend about his brother and the vehicle -> friend told me his brother had been negligent, untrustworthy, if i want the vehicle to go and get it if it is worthwhile -> went to the lot, viewed the vehicle to see its condition -> in short not worthwhile to take it and pay the costs. -> at least they were not able to sell, auction it without properly contacting me with verification, and certainly a more reasonable time period to from me to respond, reply and determine -> Emelia Hartford had a similar situation in the LA, SoCal Area with a vehicle she sold, then received massive parking ticket fines mailed from the DMV for that vehicle -> she responded to the DMV she sold it, but the DMV continued to send the notices, letters and more ticket, fines, penalties -> then managed to locate the vehicle -> she posted on her channel some recorded videos with the condition, location of the vehicle, person involved [not the buyer] and recovery
=>Also see on the VinWiki channel what occurred with a company vehicle, Lamborghini, which was 'illegally' seized by Detroit PD, PD Chief use, damage, costs, and eventual return => Clearly from the Gov, SoS, PD, etc. Michigan State, Counties, Cities, local are proven full of corruption leegal, unlawful, unconstitutional behavior, actions, practice, certainly including all levels of 'politicians', officials, through legislation -> all political parities -> as exists within every location, area, State, county, city, local within the USA currently and for decades; many over 120 years..
@Tom Bailey;
All The Best and Much Success in Your Quest, Health, Happiness and Well Being. Sincerely
@@newtonfirefly3584 brother, stop commenting on things right after you took an Adderall. I mean Jesus Christ did you even look how long your novel is? It gave me anxiety just looking at it.
Planning on going to the next for Shure!!! Thanks for all the hard work Tommy ! Without you this wouldn't have happened, and only one person got hurt.
The transmission jack thing is great...
I may have not watched all you're content on sick week but I did follow alot of other channels keeping up while being at king of the hammers. I heard alot of things were better this year keep up the amazing work we appreciate all you do!
Got to love Sam. Hope you fight for that truck... or at least fight those involved
You guys need to call Steve Lehto.
That happens a hell of a lot more than you think.
Plz don't let this go this is county corruption at its worst. No telling how much this happens. It probably won't have any returns as far as cost to look into it and do something about it. we all got to stand for something and Pricipals should be it..good luck Tom
One of the things I want to do once I move to Florida! Sick week drag and drives amazing content awesome racing
Better get your attorney involved! That would downright P me off!!! I’ll bet that investigator couldn’t find their own car keys if they lost them. I’m sure they have phone records from “calling you “. I hope it all works out somehow. Thanks for providing everyone with another Sick Week!!!
5:57 When it comes to roll up doors, it's ether all the way up or all the way down! That way the guy that opens it, they won't be embarrassed when he/she drives into it!
I would sue the tow yard and the police department
BEST DRAG AND DRIVE CONTENT EVER!! I'm here from the Cleetus McFarland clan brother!! Lol
Legal theft. The yard works with the thief, and things get disappeared "legally". It's an old story.
Exactly, why would a yard ever want to get ahold of the owners when they can cash out the entire car?
The yard IS the thief and they work with the police.
WOW things like this truthfully don't surprise me even though they should
Definitely not a good look for the police department
It's the Michigan police. They don't care.
Brother I'm sorry to hear you had to go through that nonsense here in Missouri we have to send out certified letters and have proof we did it to try to contact the owners
I imagine a man like Tom with a large worldwide following can get some results...one would hope
Tom talk or Steve talk it's amazing see stuff break? Temu battery terminals.
Unbelievable that this can happen. They probably contacted the previous owner of that house instead of the person that filed out the crime report when it was stolen. Just amazing as there are many new ways we can get screwed. Me and my siblings are dealing with a similar situation on my late Dad’s house. Been 3 1/2 years trying to get fixed.
The same sort of situation happened to a friend of mine in SC to GA.
I get that it's probably a losing battle to get an attorney involved on the yard that allegedly sold the truck, but on principle I'd fight them over it.
My dad had something similar happen had his truck at a private mechanic he was licensed as we are in Canada, but the mechanic was working out of his home garage, kept telling my dad he was still working in the vehicle trying to figure out the problem. Finally my dad got fed up and went to pick up his truck and take it elsewhere. But the mechanic decided a week prior that he couldn’t figure out the problem and wasn’t gonna get paid so he signed the bill of sale to himself forging my dad’s signature and took the truck to pick and pull. Nothing we could do about it other than go look at it in the pick n pull yard 😢. Was a pretty messed up situation!
I feel like u stumbled upon a theft ring
and its now on yuoutube lol from a very popular content creator
The taxpayers funded thugs will retaliate.
15:45 You would have had to Pay a Tow Bill and Storage Each Day it Was There. I bet the Storage Lot Bought it. I See This Thing Happen in Houston Tx. I drove a Tow Truck for Over Two Decades. Now I am in Medical Field. I worked in Florida years back. After a Hurricane. Back then State Law was Storage Yards Had to Notify By CERTIFIED MAIL. If Registered out of State. Then an Article had to be posted in Local Newspaper where Registered Owner Resided.
Hope This Helps. I am Sharing Your Story to all my Friends and Family in Florida.
🤙🤙🤙🤙
The stolen truck situation is absolutely INSANE!!!
Absolutely crazy! I live in CT and when we would pickup a vehicle of any kind That was “abandoned” we have to make contact with the owner via certified mail and wait X amount of days before we could do anything then we have to file paperwork with the state which is a whole process in itself and then we can either sell it or send it to the junk yard
If the vehicle is stolen when the police would call us to get it they would already see in their system that the vehicle was reported stolen and tell us and they would contact the owner and also give us the information to try and contact them as well
This is crazy definitely would be cool to see some update videos!
Happens here in Indiana all the time. Towing companies around here have a list of vehicles that people want . So they will tow it , hide it and apply for a title and sell it. Definitely a loop hole that needs fixed.
I had my car stolen In Ludington Mi, I contacted the local Police. It was found in Grand Rapids a couple days later. Local Ludington Police contacted me, gave info on where it was , name of tow yard and phone # to contact for pick up. I had to pay tow and storage fee to get it out . Now , how did the my local Police find out it was 120 miles away in Grand Rapids? I would think the Tow company would call their local Police to find out info on the car and found it was reported stolen. Contacts were made and I got my car back. Reading through some of the replies here , many said check your phone records, contact a lawyer, I think Michigan law says they need to send certified letter notifying you of your found vehicle. And some thing in this story that has not been mentioned , Didn't you have insurance? Let us know with a follow up if anything come of this.