[The G Man]

He thought so much of them that he stole items from their home

I THINK I recall hearing thar Ricci was part of a crew working at the Smart house and when things turned up missing the whole crew was fired. Later, Mr Smart became convinced Ricci had nothing to do with it and rehired him back in that deal involving the jeep.

[mystery-ak]

You are not alone, I heard that also....explains why Ricci worked there as a handyman and how he acquired the jeep.