Visitors to the Nolensville Farmers Market report being charged $375 by Priority Wrecker—$275 over Tennessee’s legal limit. The property is owned by Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder, who has yet to comment. Police and state officials are investigating.
By TruthWire News | June 2, 2025
What began as a few neighborly warnings on a local Facebook page has now ignited community-wide outrage, multiple law enforcement investigations, and growing calls for accountability. The issue? A towing policy at a Nolensville shopping center that residents say is predatory, illegal—and tied directly to a public official: Chaz Molder, Mayor of Columbia, Tennessee, who owns the property through Nolenswheel LLC.
Saturday, May 25 — Community Members Sound the Alarm
Early in the day, a resident of Nolensville posted on Nolensville 411, warning fellow Farmers Market visitors not to park in the adjacent shopping center lot. Within minutes of walking away from their car, tow truck operators from Priority Wrecker Services reportedly demanded a $375 “drop fee”—cash only—to avoid towing the vehicle. Other residents soon began sharing similar stories.
The lot was reportedly nearly empty. Most businesses were closed. The only posted warning vaguely prohibited “recreational use,” but gave no indication that parking for the Farmers Market would result in an immediate tow or on-the-spot cash payment.
Same Day — Ownership and Ethics Come into Focus
The shopping center, residents soon learned, is owned by Nolenswheel LLC, managed by Mayor Chaz Molder. Despite being a public servant and elected official in Columbia, Molder has remained entirely silent as reports of alleged predatory towing spread throughout Nolensville.
Sunday, May 26 — Residents Identify a Legal Violation
Another Nolensville resident shared that after being hit with the $375 charge, they reviewed state law and discovered that Tennessee caps non-consensual drop fees at $100. Their family committed to filing a complaint with the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office and encouraged others to do the same.
Reports also surfaced of tow truck drivers refusing to accept credit cards, escorting elderly women to ATMs, and becoming confrontational when challenged on their fee structure or informed of the law. One witness stated the driver bragged about making "$100,000 a year" using this business model.
May 27–29 — Local Businesses and Customers Affected
Small businesses—particularly those opening early like Better Days Diner—reported lost foot traffic and frustrated patrons. As early as 8:02 AM, residents claimed tow trucks were already active in the nearly empty lot, targeting cars belonging to Farmers Market attendees.
Multiple residents said the drivers were aggressive toward bystanders who tried to explain the legal limits or advocate for fellow citizens being targeted.
May 30 — Police and Prosecutors Step In
The Nolensville Police Department issued a formal public statement confirming they had interviewed the tow truck driver and referred the matter to the Williamson County District Attorney’s Office. In addition, the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office has been made aware and is now reviewing complaints about the company’s practices.
Police emphasized that while private property owners are within their rights to enforce parking restrictions, violating Tennessee law is not one of those rights. Residents affected are strongly encouraged to submit any receipts, photos, videos, or written statements to the Nolensville Police Department at 615-776-3640.
A Troubling Business Reputation
According to Yelp, Priority Wrecker Services has a 1-star rating with over 70 reviews, many of which paint a disturbing picture of unethical behavior and fee inflation. Examples include:
- $250 charged for a 6.5-mile local tow, with unexplained surcharges like a $40 fuel fee and $15 “PPE/photo” fee.
- A customer whose van was winched without consent and then held for a $2,000 ransom.
- A tow originally quoted at $125 ballooning to $280.50—including an extra fee for using Cash App.
- A reported case where a business was charged $18,000 for a $3,000 job and told no checks or cards would be accepted.
The reviews consistently mention surprise fees, verbal intimidation, and refusal to provide written estimates. One reviewer said it plainly: “Avoid at all costs. Sleazy business practices.”
Mayor Chaz Molder’s Silence
Despite mounting reports, legal involvement, and growing media coverage—including from WKRN News 2—Mayor Molder has issued no public statement. As the sole property owner, he has the authority to cancel the towing contract or revise the enforcement policies. His silence, residents say, speaks volumes.
In a town that values local businesses, families, and a strong community spirit, the aggressive towing policy feels completely out of step—and residents are demanding answers.
What You Can Do if You Were Affected
- Call Nolensville Police: 615-776-3640
- Provide a statement and submit any receipts, video, or photos
- File a complaint with the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office
- Email: sierra.pruitt@ag.tn.gov
TruthWire News will continue to follow this developing story and will press for a response from Mayor Chaz Molder.
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