Milan Box Corporation v. Donna Hardy, et al.

Plaintiff Milan Box filed this lawsuit against former employee Donna Hardy and her husband, Billy Hardy, alleging fraud, embezzlement, conversion, and unjust enrichment. During discovery the Hardys submitted responses to written interrogatories, but subsequently asserted their fifth amendment rights against self-incrimination during deposition and moved the court to stay litigationpending criminal proceedings. The Hardys subsequently withdrew the motion to stay; nevertheless, the trial court denied the motion to stay when the Hardys failed to execute deeds of trust to real property in favor of Milan Box as security. The trial court granted Milan Box’s motion for summary judgment, and the Hardys appeal. We affirm summary judgment against Donna Hardy but modify the award of damages, reverse the award of summary judgment against Mr. Hardy, and remand for further proceedings.