Pet sitter stole tools and admitted in a message, need legal recourse

Question

While I was out of town, I asked a 51-year-old individual to feed my pet, and he entered my locked garage and stole approximately $15,000 worth of tools. I am 67 years old. He admitted to taking the items in a Facebook message and has since engraved his initials on the tools to misrepresent ownership. Although I reported the theft, the sheriff has only charged him with 2nd-degree battery after he assaulted me when I confronted him. I've been informed that recovering the tools is considered a civil matter, despite having the message where he admits to taking them. How should I proceed to recover my tools and address the theft legally?

James L. Arrasmith · Answer

Legal Strategies for Recovering Your Stolen Tools 
You have a strong civil case to recover your tools, especially with the Facebook message admission. The first step is to compile detailed documentation of all stolen items, including descriptions, values, and any evidence of your ownership like receipts, photos, or serial numbers. JusticeDirect Save and print copies of the Facebook message admission immediately, as this will be crucial evidence in court. 
Small claims court is your most efficient option for recovering property valued at $15,000, as it's faster, less expensive, and doesn't require an attorney. Legal Beagle The Facebook message where he admitted to taking your tools should be admissible as evidence, especially since courts generally accept social media communications when they can be authenticated as coming from the specific person. Carey Law Office You might also consider filing a "replevin action," which is specifically designed to recover wrongfully taken personal property and can be more effective than standard small claims procedures in some jurisdictions. Whiteandwilliams This legal remedy focuses on the return of the specific property rather than just monetary compensation. 
Before filing, consider sending a formal demand letter via certified mail requesting the return of your tools and specifying your intent to pursue legal action if they aren't returned within a specific timeframe. Check your state's laws regarding civil theft, as many states allow for "treble damages" (three times the value of stolen items) plus attorney fees in civil theft cases. Denver-colorado-theft-crimes-lawyer When you go to court, bring all your evidence, including the Facebook admission, photos of your tools (if you have any), receipts, and documentation of the engraved initials that were added after the theft. Wikipedia Since the sheriff has already charged him with battery, ask if the investigating officer would be willing to testify about what they observed regarding your tools during their investigation, as this could strengthen your case considerably

Q: Pet sitter stole tools and admitted in a message, need legal recourse