I am bringing to light an incident where the Connecticut State Police's DMV Commercial Vehicle Safety Division (CVSD) unlawfully impounded my legally registered and insured trailer and pickup truck. This seizure was carried out without a warrant, hearing, or any form of prior notice, flagrantly violating my Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment rights under the U.S. Constitution.

The CVSD falsely attributed federal seizure authority in executing this impoundment. Due process was entirely bypassed, as I was denied fair legal procedures and access to my own property. This action undermines the principle of innocent until proven guilty, which is foundational to our legal system.

Moreover, this unauthorized seizure has placed a financial burden on me and my family due to extortionate fee demands by Nelcon Towing, the company involved in the impoundment. This has added undue stress and difficulty in regaining access to my own property, causing emotional and financial distress.

Specific procedural violations by the state official involved cannot go unnoticed. It is crucial that we hold the CVSD accountable for their actions to prevent any further unjust seizures and to ensure that the rights of all citizens are protected.

I urge all concerned citizens and advocates of justice to sign this petition. Together we can demand an investigation into these violations and push for transparency and accountability within the Connecticut State Police system. Your support is pivotal to safeguarding constitutional rights and ensuring justice for those affected by similar actions.

Please sign this petition to make our voices heard and to prompt necessary legislative and procedural changes to protect against future abuses.

On April 17, 2024, Connecticut State Police DMV officer Christopher Callaway, Trooper Spence, and Officer Brian Dawson, SGT Daniel Devine—alongside officials from the DMV Commercial Vehicle Safety Division (CVSD) and Sal Khan (owner of Nelcon Towing), unlawfully impounded my registered and insured trailer and pickup truck under CGS §14-149. This action was taken without a warrant, hearing, or prior notice, in violation of my constitutional rights.

Upon arrival at Nelcon Towing exactly 10 mins after tow truck arrived at tow yard with truck and loaded boat trailer my Chevy pickup truck was released immediately for a $525 fee. However, the trailer—containing a customer’s boat—was declared “seized and defunct” by Sal Khan, who falsely claimed that FMCSA agents and federal inspectors had ordered its permanent dismantling. These claims were repeated in writing and used to justify denial of release and refusal to allow repairs or fix issues to satisfy DVER report. Sal Khan demanded over $9,000 in cash-only fees to unload the customer’s boat using his equipment, asserting that no other method was permitted.

When I contacted officer Callaway, he confirmed the trailer was “seized forever” and stated I was fortunate not to be arrested for “possession of a stolen trailer.” These allegations are unsupported by any inspection reports or documentation provided to me. No federal agents or FMCSA inspectors are named in the paperwork, and no formal seizure order or defect declaration appears in the records.

Despite repeated requests, I was denied access to the trailer, its contents, and any supporting documentation. This prolonged impoundment has caused significant business losses, reputational harm, and deprivation of property. The seizure and continued retention appear to violate my Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment rights and constitute abuse under color of law, actionable under 42 U.S.C. §1983.

I respectfully request that FMCSA and members of the state of Connecticut investigate this coordinated misuse of authority, including:

• False attribution of federal seizure authority

• Denial of due process and access to property

• Extortionate fee demands by Nelcon Towing

• Procedural violations by state and DMV officials