Can the repo or tow truck person threaten a person about jail?

It is illegal for anyone to threaten anyone with jail time. However, repossession drivers may as a rule warn debtors that if they do not surrender the vehicle that the potential for arrest exists. This is not a threat. Many lenders will automatically authorize the petition of replevin when a debtor refuses to cooperate. If a replevin is served on a debtor and that debtor refuse to surrender the vehicle, he is likely to be arrested, and held until he surrenders the vehicle, or a judge is satisfied with the time the debtor serves for contempt of his order.