Fanning v. Hicks

Ness, Justice:

Respondent Fanning seeks to recover damages for guns converted by appellant Hicks. The jury awarded Fanning $2,900 actual and $15,000 punitive damages. We affirm.

Fanning’s home was burglarized and 21 guns were stolen. Hicks was charged as an accessory before the fact to the housebreaking and grand larceny. He returned eight of the 21 guns and pled nolo contendré to one count of receiving stolen goods.

Hicks’ sentence was suspended upon the payment of a fine and two years probation. As a special condition of probation, the court ordered Hicks to make immediate restitution to…