Chapter 15 - Facing The Judges And The Liars
The federal courtroom was packed to maximum capacity for the arraignment hearing of Ethan Harper and Vanessa Vale.
Media vans lined the streets outside the Dirksen Federal Building, broadcasting the high-profile white-collar trial nationwide.
I sat in the front row of the gallery beside Adrian and Marcus, wearing a sharp charcoal blazer and sunglasses.
Ethan was led into the courtroom in an orange jumpsuit, his hair uncombed and his arrogant posture completely gone.
Vanessa sat at the defense table beside him, refusing to look in his direction as her court-appointed lawyer whispered frantically.
Judge Harrison presided over the hearing with a stern, unforgiving expression that left zero room for theatrical excuses.
“The defendants are charged with federal wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and multi-million-dollar asset embezzlement,” the judge stated.
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When asked for a plea, Ethan’s lawyer attempted to request bail, citing mitigating personal circumstances and corporate restructuring.
Judge Harrison denied the request instantly, citing an overwhelming flight risk and mountains of irrefutable digital evidence.
