A tow truck operator in Pittsburgh who pleaded guilty to felony insurance fraud and theft by deception charges after being caught charging as much as $11,000 per tow was ordered to pay back nearly $400,000 to insurance companies.

Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas Judge Randal Todd ordered Vince Fannick on Thursday to pay $379,000 to the defrauded insurance companies within 30 days or face imprisonment in a state penitentiary. Prosecutors deemed Fannick's practices as predatory, charging 36 victims anywhere between $9,000 and $11,000 to tow their cars short distances while holding the vehicles hostage until he was paid.

The judge sentenced Fannick to six months of house arrest and five years' probation, ordering him to record a public service announcement on predatory towing

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