Patricia Cornwell wins $50.9 million in lawsuit over finances

After a seven week trial, mystery author Patricia Cornwell won a lawsuit worth over $50 million against her negligent former financial management company.

Best known for her crime novels surrounding the medical examiner Kay Scarpetta, Patricia Cornwell has had her fair share of drama in her own life over the past few years.

According to The Boston Globe, Cornwell sued her former financial company Anchin, Block & Anchin LLP, and its former principal, Evan H. Snapper, for mishandling her money. In fact, Cornwell claimed in 2009 that Anchin benefited from tens of millions of dollars of losses or unaccounted revenue over a period of four years from her and her company.
The trial began on January 7, and the jury deliberated on Thursday.

Anchin was found guilty, and currently owes Cornwell $50.9 million in damages.

Snapper was allegedly “very disappointed” at the outcome of the case, and the defendants plan to appeal the verdict, convinced that Anchin operates honestly.

“The firm will endure in spite of today’s outcome,” remarked James Campbell, Anchin’s attorney.

However, jury foreman has a different viewpoint, commenting,”I think at the end of the day we came to fair decision. And hopefully Anchin learns from this. If you are performing on someone else’s behalf, you have a responsibility towards them.”

Cornwell took to Twitter to announce her elation at the final verdict. Her string of tweets included, “I wish I could hug the jury,” “Justice prevails,” and “7 weeks for this jury. They are heroes. Thank you jury!”

7 weeks for this jury. They are heroes. Thank you jury!

— Patricia Cornwell (@1pcornwell) February 19, 2013