Former Lt. Samuel Flores, Sgt. Robert Christolon and tow company owner Cody Close face sentencing after a jury found them guilty in a tows-for-bribes scheme that steered business to DJ’s Towing in exchange for gifts
Riverside Hall of Justice / tows-for-bribes scheme (Courtesy Superior Court of Riverside)Riverside, California (Times Media Service) – Three former Riverside County deputies and a local tow company owner are set to appear before Judge Jerry Yang on January 31, 2025, for sentencing in a high-profile tows-for-bribes scheme that saw law enforcement officers steer towing calls to DJ’s Towing in exchange for free vehicles, meals and even a beachfront stay.
Background of the Tows-for-Bribes Scheme
In early 2018, Lt. Samuel Flores and Sgt. Robert Christolon oversaw the Temecula traffic division under contract with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. Retired Deputy Kevin Carpenter often worked overtime there, while DJ’s Towing, owned by Cody Close, held an official contract to provide tow services. Between 2018 and 2019, Close allegedly offered the officers steeply discounted or free vehicles, paid for repairs at his facility, covered meals, and even provided Flores with a complimentary stay at a beachfront home.
Investigators found that Flores, Christolon, and Carpenter directed tow calls “out of rotation,” bypassing other companies on the official list so DJ’s Towing received extra work. Carpenter also logged some tows as traffic citations in the department’s computer system to mask the fraud. Meanwhile, Flores promoted Close’s unrelated hazardous waste business to other deputies, despite no county contract. The scheme unraveled when a rival tow company in Temecula complained about being skipped in the rotation list.
Guilty Verdicts and Charges
After a three-week trial at the Riverside Hall of Justice, a jury convicted Flores and Christolon on one count each of accepting bribes and conspiracy. Close was found guilty on three counts of bribing public officers. Carpenter, who pleaded guilty in March 2023, testified for the prosecution in exchange for a plea deal that included felony probation and six months in a sheriff’s work release program.
Judge Jerry Yang acquitted Flores and Christolon of unlawful computer misuse, but the core bribe and conspiracy convictions stood. The court will now determine prison terms and fines during the upcoming Riverside County deputies sentencing hearing.
Upcoming Sentencing Hearing
The sentencing hearing for the tows-for-bribes scheme is scheduled for January 31, 2025. All defendants remain free on their own recognizance until then. Under California law, each count of accepting a bribe can carry up to four years in state prison, while conspiracy counts may add additional years. Cody Close, the tow company owner sentenced alongside the ex-deputies, faces similar maximum penalties but may see reduced time under state sentencing guidelines for public corruption cases.
Prosecutors from the DA’s Public Integrity Unit have recommended significant terms to deter other officers from abusing their positions. The upcoming hearing will also address restitution for motorists who paid towing fees when DJ’s Towing was used out of rotation.
Impact on Riverside County Communities
The scheme has shaken public trust in law enforcement in Riverside County. Many drivers who had vehicles towed in Temecula between 2018 and 2019 may have overpaid or faced unnecessary inconvenience. Local businesses complained that their sites were repeatedly overlooked for tow service, disrupting commerce and eroding confidence in county oversight.
County Supervisors are now considering additional audits of Sheriff’s Department contracts and rotation procedures. The Board plans to revisit how towing services are awarded and monitored, potentially adding civilian oversight roles to ensure fairness.
Reforms and Oversight Measures
In response to the scandal, Sheriff’s Department leadership has implemented new tracking software that logs tow calls in real time and flags any deviations from the official towing rotation. Deputies must now obtain digital approvals before dispatching any non-rotational tow.
The County Board also authorized mandatory ethics training for all uniformed deputies and civilian staff. An external review panel, including community members, will meet quarterly to review towing contracts and investigate any future complaints. These reforms aim to prevent another tows-for-bribes scheme from taking root.
Reaction from Officials and Public
Sheriff Chad Bianco expressed regret over the actions of the few, emphasizing they do not reflect the integrity of the department’s 3,000 employees. “We owe the public transparency and accountability,” he said in a statement.
Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin praised the jury’s verdicts and urged residents to report any suspicion of corruption. “This sentencing will send a clear message: abusing public trust carries heavy consequences,” he said.
Members of the Temecula Chamber of Commerce welcomed the planned reforms, noting they hope to see faster resolution of towing disputes. “Fair towing practices are vital for small businesses and residents alike,” said Chamber President Laura Nguyen.
Thomas Yarnell / Inland Empire Contributor (Times Media Service)
Thomas Yarnell brings 20+ years of Inland Empire experience and deep understanding of how communities operate across the region.
tyarnell@timesmediaservice.com
