Judge Postpones Ruling on Anthony Thomas’ Ownership Claim to the Bahia Emerald and Sets September Trial Date

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge John A. Kronstadt postponed ruling on Anthony Thomas’ action to claim ownership of the Bahia Emerald, and set a trial date of September 8, 2010 at 10:00 AM. On September 8, the Judge will hear the Thomas claim, as well as a separate claim by Mark Downie, as to ownership, and will then proceed with a bench trial and opening statements in the case. Ken Conetto By Eric Kitchen His Attorney In Fact (Petitioner) vs. Kit Morrison and Todd Armstrong (Respondents); Mark Downie (Intervenors) vs. Eric Kitchen et al., Kit Morrison and Todd Armstrong (Respondents), Case No. BS118649.

Respondents Kit Morrison, Todd Armstrong, Jerry Ferrara, FM Holdings, Inc. and Market Link, Inc. maintain that they should have ownership and possessory rights to the Bahia Emerald. The Respondents are represented by Browne Greene with the Santa Monica, CA. law firm of Greene Broillet & Wheeler (www.greene-broillet.com) and Daniel K. Balaban and Andrew J. Spielberger with the Santa Monica, CA. law firm of Balaban & Spielberger (www.balaban-spielberger.com).

The Bahia Emerald, at 840 pounds, is said to be the world’s largest raw emerald. Until the ownership dispute is resolved, the Bahia Emerald remains in the custody of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department.