When passing on a complaint made under section 2109.50 of the Revised Code, the probate court shall determine, by the verdict of a jury if either party requires it or without if not required, whether the person accused is guilty of having concealed, embezzled, conveyed away, or been in the possession of moneys, personal property, or choses in action of the estate, testamentary trust, or guardianship. If the person is found guilty, the probate court shall assess the amount of damages to be recovered or the court may order the return of the specific thing concealed or embezzled or may order restoration in kind. The probate court may issue a citation or other judicial order into any county in this state that shall be served and returned as provided in section 2109.50 of the Revised Code. The citation or other judicial order shall require any person who claims any interest in the assets alleged to have been concealed, embezzled, conveyed, or held in possession to appear before the court. At the hearing, the court may hear and determine questions of title relating to those assets. In all cases, except when the person found guilty is the fiduciary, the probate court shall render judgment in favor of the fiduciary or if there is no fiduciary in this state, the probate court shall render judgment in favor of the state, against the person found guilty, for the amount of the moneys or the value of the personal property or choses in action concealed, embezzled, conveyed away, or held in possession, together with ten per cent penalty and all costs of the proceedings or complaint; except that the judgment shall be reduced to the extent of the value of any thing specifically restored or returned in kind as provided in this section.

If the person found guilty is the fiduciary, the probate court shall render judgment in favor of the state against the fiduciary for the amount of the moneys or the value of the personal property or choses in action concealed, embezzled, conveyed away, or held in possession, together with penalty and costs as provided in this section.

Amended by 129th General AssemblyFile No.52, SB 124, §1, eff. 1/13/2012.

Effective Date: 11-09-1959 .