Brooks v. State
Supreme Court of Ohio
35 Ohio St. 46 (1878)
Relevant factsFree
Charles Newton lost $200 while visiting Warren, Ohio, where George Brooks (defendant) worked; despite a diligent search, Newton couldn't find the money and, before leaving town, published notice of the loss in three local newspapers. About a month later, Brooks found the money while working with several coworkers, immediately hid it from them without telling anyone, quit his job that same day, and left town with his wife shortly after. Brooks was convicted of larceny and moved for a new trial, which the trial court denied.
IssueFree
Whether one who converts lost property to his own use while reasonably believing that the true owner can be found has committed larceny.