Police Raid Houston-Area Body Shop - BodyShop Business

Police Raid Houston-Area Body Shop

Ricardo Gonzalez, 41, owner of USA Collision, and his crew were accused of tricking customers into signing documents giving the shop permission to perform unnecessary repairs once vehicles were towed there.

Houston police raided an auto body shop and arrested the owner and three employees on felony charges of Organized Criminal Activity, according to an article in The Journal.

Ricardo Gonzalez, 41, owner of USA Collision, and his crew were accused of tricking customers into signing documents giving the shop permission to perform unnecessary repairs once vehicles were towed there. 

Customers claimed they were also forced to pay huge repair bills or charged more than $200 for “transfer fees” to move their vehicle between the storage lot and the repair shop, which were within a few feet of each other.

To read the full story in The Journal, click here.

You May Also Like

NABC Announces Winners of Lone Star Changing and Saving Lives Golf Fundraiser

More than 125 players, sponsors and industry members gathered for the second tournament of the NABC season.

The National Auto Body Council (NABC) has announced the winners of the NABC Lone Star Changing and Saving Lives Golf Fundraiser held April 10, 2024 at the Texas Star Golf Course in Dallas. 

More than 125 players, sponsors and industry members gathered for the second tournament of the NABC season. The day featured the presentation of a Recycled Ride to deserving U.S. Army veteran Kijafa Adams prior to the shotgun. In addition, the NABC presented two vehicles the day prior at the PPG Conference to U.S. Army veteran Nathan Burrows and single mother Walnisha Stevenson.  

Crash Champions Acquires Family Motors Auto Body in Bakersfield, Calif.

Crash Champions now operates more than 50 repair centers across Southern California and more than 630 locations across 37 states.

ASE Releases Chairman’s Message

New ASE Chairman Tom Trisdale says 2024 is a year of action for ASE as the challenges of repairing vehicles and the pressures facing technicians have never been greater.

CIF Announces National Coatings & Supplies/Single Source as Repeat Annual Donor

This marks National Coatings & Supplies/Single Source’s fourth consecutive donation at the First Responder tier.

CCG Acquires Square One Systems, Coyote Vision Group

For over 40 years, Square One Systems has delivered effective solutions to collision repairers centered around analytics, collaboration and accountability.

Other Posts

Keene Auto Body: Since 1928

Ensio Piispanen immigrated from Finland to the U.S. and founded Keene Auto Body in 1928.

AASP/NJ Announces Winners of NORTHEAST Show Bodywork Bowl

The competition featured 70 competitors showcasing their skills in welding, painting and estimating.

Consolidator Report

Consolidation news from the week of April 15.

People on the Move

Recent personnel news that has appeared on bodyshopbusiness.com.