Man being charged to get stolen trailer back

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga.,None — Esbond Degrasse fell victim last month to someone who stole his 53-foot refrigerated trailer in Gwinnett County.

Now after finding it, he said he feels like a victim all over again.

"I feel that there is no justice here," Degrasse said.

Last week, while helping a friend run an errand, Degrasse said he spotted the trailer parked in a lot in Rockdale County.

He called police to report that it was recovered and Rockdale County deputies responded.

Degrasse said his keys matched the locks on the trailer and he told the deputy he'd pick it up.

But the deputy said the trailer would have to be held until Gwinnett County could clear it, Degrasse said, and would be picked up and held by a local wrecker service.

Degrasse said he was shocked to later learn that it would cost $575 to get his trailer, including $30 a day more for any extra days in the lot.

Channel 2 Action News tracked down the owner of Chancey's Wrecker Service in Conyers who said this case is not unusual.

"It happens every day ... cars are stolen, we recover them ... people, you know, that's what they pay insurance for," Chancey said, adding that he does not get paid by the county, and can't work for free.

He said insurance will usually cover the cost.

A spokesman for the Rockdale County Sheriff's Department said the deputy who handled this case was simply following procedure.

Degrasse believes that since he found the trailer, not police, he should not have to pay.

"I'm re-victimized," he said.

But, for now, the fees keep adding up.

WSBTV