After more than a day of jury deliberation for the trial against The Money Tree lending company, the three-week trial came to an end with the investors being awarded around $3 million. Investors sued The Money Tree and argued the lending group misdirected money to its owners, among other companies, before declaring bankruptcy in 2010.

“Emotionally, it’s a case that makes you feel like you’re on the side of justice,” said plaintiff lawyer John Elrod, who added he looks forward to the defendants satisfying their obligations to the investors.

However, an order was filed by Judge W. Louis Sands asking attorneys to file a brief expressing their interpretation of the jury’s complex verdict by next Wednesday. Another hearing will determine which investors are awarded what amounts of money.

Members of the Martin Family are charged with paying different amounts of the $3 million total awarded to investors