Tony’s Auto Center auctioned off Lt. Jonathan Liongson’s car for $1,200 while he was deployed at sea, an action that may have violated federal law.
CHULA VISTA, Calif. — While serving our country on a deployment mission at sea, one San Diego sailor found out his car was towed off the street, then sold at auction. Now, the U.S. government is taking legal action against the Chula Vista tow company.
Before U.S. Navy Lieutenant Jonathan Liongson went on his first deployment aboard the USS Bunker Hill in November 2022, he parked his 2011 Mazda 6 on the street in front of a friend’s house in Chula Vista. While at sea, he phoned his friend and asked him to check on the car and start up the engine.
“When he went outside, he said, ‘I can’t find your car. I’ve walked around the block twice and I can’t find your car,’” …