Itin v. Ungar

I. INTRODUCTION

In this appeal, we hold that a victim seeking civil recovery of treble damages, costs, and fees under the Rights in Stolen Property statute need not prove that the defendant suffered a prior conviction for the crime of theft, robbery, or burglary. A jury in this case found that the defendant, Bertrand T. Ungar, committed acts that constitute the crime of theft when he knowingly exercised control over the funds of plaintiff Thomas W. Itin without authorization and with the specific intent to permanently deprive him of his property. The trial court awarded treble damages,…