Owner fighting to get stolen car sold on Craigslist back

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A Houston man may have to pay hundreds of dollars in fees to get his stolen car returned to him.

According to Harris County Sheriff investigators, Ruphus Foley reported his 1998 Honda Civic was stolen from a YMCA parking lot in Houston's south side.

"I walked around the parking lot and I didn't see my car," Foley told eyewitness news Tuesday.

Foley said the title to his car was inside the vehicle, but he gave deputies the VIN and plate numbers. He said last week, something told him to look on Craigslist to see if someone was posting it for sale. He said he saw a number of cars that looked like his. It was then, Foley said, he got a call from an investigator.

"Who ever stole it, has the nerve to put it on Craigslist," said Foley. "The guy bought it off of Craigslist for $1,500, and he says he's the owner of the car."

Police impounded the car, and they won't let Foley claim his property. State law requires there to be a property hearing before a Justice of the Peace.

If awarded the car back, Foley will have to pay a $145 towing fee and a $20 daily storage fee. Foley's court hearing hasn't been scheduled, and it could take weeks.

"I feel sorry for the guy who spent $1,500 to purchase the car," said Foley. "That's his loss. That's my car. I shouldn't have to pay those fees."

According to a spokeswoman at the JP court where this case will end up, the judge does not have the jurisdiction to waive any state mandated fees.