In Re Jack David Held, Debtor. Ann F. Miller v. Jack David Held, in Re Robert Ray Held, Debtor. Ann F. Miller v. Robert Ray Held

GODBOLD, Chief Judge:

Defendants were pawnbrokers who operated B.E.Z. pawnshop. Plaintiff obtained a loan from defendants by either pledging her jewelry or selling it with an option to repurchase. Defendants converted plaintiffs jewelry. Plaintiff then sued defendants in state court for conversion. The jury awarded her $35,000 in compensatory damages and $37,000 in punitive damages. Defendants filed for bankruptcy thereafter.

Plaintiff brought this action in the bankruptcy court requesting a determination that the state court judgment was not dis-chargeable under 11 U.S.C. § 523(a)(6) (1982),…