Thompson v. Paasche

This case involves an appeal and a cross-appeal of a dispute regarding the sale of land located on Lake Michigan by the defendants, William Paasche and Joann Paasche ("Paasche"), to the plaintiffs. The plaintiffs won judgments against Paasche both for common law fraud and for violating the RICO Act in the land sale. Paasche appeals, arguing that his actions constituted neither fraud nor a violation of RICO. We affirm the verdict on common law fraud but reverse as to the RICO claim. Both sides appeal various aspects of the damages verdict. We affirm all of the district courts rulings on the damages issue. In addition to the fraud and RICO claims, the plaintiffs brought a claim for injunctive relief both against Paasche and against Miller Brothers and CEMCO (collectively "Miller."). The court denied all claims for injunctive relief. We affirm as to Miller, but reverse as to Paasche.