Spruytte v. Department of Corrections

Plaintiff, a prisoner, was transferred from Southern Michigan Prison to Marquette in August, 1973. In preparation for his transfer, plaintiff was required to turn over his personal property to the agents of the defendant. In return, he received a resident personal property receipt which itemized the property he had placed in the custody of the defendant. Plaintiff’s property was never returned to him after his arrival at Marquette.

Plaintiff brought suit alleging that the resident personal property receipt constituted a bailment contract and claiming damages of $28,939.84 for breach. Defendant…