If you have ever tried loading a utility trailer with anything from a motorcycle to an automobile — while hitched to your tow vehicle — you know how difficult a task it can be.

The Arizona Attorney General’s office has dropped its antitrust investigation of Mesa over contracts awarded to Cactus Towing.

Mesa-based Cactus Towing overcharged customers and insurance companies more than $220,000 in the late 1990s and early 2000s through a series of exclusive tow contracts with law enforcement agencies in the East Valley, a Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office investigation has found.

Chandler has reversed course on extending its contract with Cactus Towing, making way for competitors to bid on the service.

Chandler has reversed course on extending its contract with Cactus Towing, making way for competitors to bid on the service.

The Cactus towing controversy has now reached the state Legislature.

DPS and some Valley police agencies are violating Arizona law by not awarding towing contracts to the lowest bidder, state lawmakers say.

Longtime Arizona political figure Lee Watkins is leaving his towing business behind. The 18-year owner of Cactus Towing, which is the subject of a Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office criminal investigation, said Thursday he plans to sell the company to general manager Todd DeMasseo and other buyers.

Longtime Arizona political figure Lee Watkins is leaving his towing business behind. The 18-year owner of Cactus Towing, which is the subject of a Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office criminal investigation, said Thursday he plans to sell the company to general manager Todd DeMasseo and other buyers.

Mesa colluded with Cactus Towing lawyer David Udall to assure that Cactus would be the recipient of the city’s towing contract, a lawsuit filed Friday claims.

A judge dismissed a lawsuit Tuesday that alleged Mesa showed favoritism for Cactus Towing. The decision allows the city to move forward with its new towing contract.

The Scottsdale City Council must decide today what to do about Cactus Towing, the front-runner for the city’s largest tow contract but which is accused of fraud.

A judge dismissed a lawsuit Tuesday that alleged Mesa showed favoritism for Cactus Towing. The decision allows the city to move forward with its new towing contract.

May 14, 2005

April 6, 2005

An investigation into Cactus Towing started after two ex-employees outlined ways they said the company scammed customers, according to a search warrant affidavit.

September 20, 2004

Evelyn Adetokunbo, thinking she was in labor, went into her apartment to get her hospital overnight bag. When she returned, her car was gone.

Evelyn Adetokunbo, thinking she was in labor, went into her apartment to get her hospital overnight bag. When she returned, her car was gone.

August 2, 2004

After a nearly two-year investigation, Mesa Police Department has arrested five people in connection with fraudulent business practices with dozens of victims at S.W.A.T. Towing/Auto Citi Towing.

If your Thanksgiving celebrations end with a toast - or a few - make a call for a "Tipsy Tow" service.