Guider v. Churpeyes, Inc.

HEARN, C.J.:

In this action for malicious prosecution and abuse of process, Churpeyes, Inc., (Church’s) appeals a jury verdict in favor of LaToya Guider. Church’s alleges the trial court erred in denying its directed verdict motions, admitting testimony from Guider’s coworker, instructing the jury on punitive damages and breach of trust with fraudulent intent, and failing to deny or reduce actual and punitive damages. We reverse.

FACTS

Church’s operates a chicken restaurant on Taylor Street in Columbia. Guider worked as general manager of the restaurant in May 2008.

Shortly before closing on the…