Gonzales v. City of Phoenix

OPINION

JONES, Chief Justice.

INTRODUCTION

¶ 1 Alex Gonzales, manager of the Central Pawn Store in Phoenix, was charged with one count of trafficking in stolen property and one count of theft. The trial court dismissed both counts with prejudice after the state determined there was no reasonable likelihood of conviction. Gonzales sued the City of Phoenix and James Finnerty, a detective with the Phoenix Police Department, alleging malicious prosecution. The jury returned a verdict in favor of Gonzales for $1.4 million. The trial court denied defendants’ motion for judgment notwithstanding the…