Settlement reached in alleged King City towing scheme

A settlement between King City and victims in an alleged towing scheme targeting undocumented residents has been reached.

According to a federal civil suit filed in San Jose in 2014, the city will pay $1.2 million to settle claims made by five people. Those victims said their cars were illegally towed by several King City police officers.

Four officers, including former Police Chief Nick Baldiviez, Acting Police Chief Bruce Miller, Officer Mario Mottu Jr. and Officer Bobby Carrillo, have faced charges related to the alleged scheme.

Victims are slated to receive a payment of about $4,000 each and legal fees added up to about $306,000. The suit states there’s 229 cars listed in the city’s database, as being eligible to recoup $4,000 in damages. Anyone who believes they were a victim will need to show proof of registration.

The settlement will head back to court in June where a judge will review the case for final approval.