There is a small catch, however, that, based on what you said, if the tenant was from China, then you may have to take it to the US district court instead of state court because it is out of their jurisdiction.
If you have proof that this guy acted intentionally to breach, then you can claim a lot from punitive damage. I think you really need to find a lawyer. All of us here can give you our opinions, right or wrong. These opinions may mislead sometimes since we are not in the legal profession and even if we do, we may be outside your jurisdiction and not familiar with your governing laws.