Opinion ID: 2009653
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: 1989-present

Text: In November 1989, Brown conveyed the parcel to Crosby. Prior to closing, Crosby walked the property with a realtor and with Brown and located both pins that form the deeded boundary between the abutting parcels. Both times that Crosby was shown the property, he was led along Baizley's hayfield. Crosby believed the hayfield constituted the boundary between the properties. Baizley saw Crosby and Brown walking the property prior to the sale but did not say anything to either party. A mortgage sketch was done for Crosby which indicated that the boundary was a straight line from pin to pin. After purchase, Crosby began using the disputed strip as Brown had. During this time, Baizley dug up part of the disputed strip with his tractor, placed a pile of manure and temporarily placed a junk vehicle in the disputed strip. In 1990, both Crosby and Baizley knew the other claimed ownership of the disputed strip. At one point, Crosby showed Baizley a copy of a letter from an attorney supporting Crosby's claim to the disputed strip. On September 7, 1990, Baizley cut down ten mature pine trees and one beech tree from the disputed strip and began laying a fence. Only after police arrived did Baizley cease his activity. In September, 1990, Crosby sued Baizley alleging trespass and conversion, injury to lands and property pursuant to 14 M.R.S.A. section 7552, intentional infliction of emotional distress, adverse possession, and acquiescence. In addition, Crosby sought punitive damages. The trial court found insufficient evidence to allow the jury to consider treble damages. 14 M.R.S.A. § 7552 (Supp.1993). The trial court denied Baizley's motions for a judgment as a matter of law. The jury found for Baizley on the adverse possession and intentional infliction of emotional distress claims but found in favor of Crosby on the acquiescence claim  thus finding that Crosby had acquired title to the disputed strip. The jury awarded $250 in damages for the trespass and $5,000 in punitive damages to Crosby. The trial court converted the punitive damages to additional compensatory damages. A judgment was entered in accordance with these findings. Baizley appeals from the judgment and Crosby cross-appeals.