Chapter 16 - THE FEDERAL COURTROOM DRAMA
Courtroom 4B was packed to maximum capacity, filled with federal prosecutors, financial analysts, and curious onlookers.
Judge Henderson presided over the federal arraignment with stern, unyielding judicial authority from the raised mahogany bench.
Jonathan Sterling sat at the defense table wearing an orange prison jumpsuit, his hair disheveled and his arrogant smirk entirely gone.
When Elena entered the gallery and took her seat in the front row, Jonathan turned his head to glare at her with pure hatred.
Elena met his venomous gaze with icy calm, her slow, deliberate eye movement conveying total and utter dominance.
"Mr. Sterling, you are formally arraigned on twelve counts of federal wire fraud, treason, and conspiracy," Judge Henderson read.
Jonathan's high-priced defense attorney stood up immediately, gesturing frantically toward the bench to request bail.
"Your Honor, my client pleads not guilty and requests release on standard financial bond given his community ties," the lawyer argued.
Before Judge Henderson could even respond, federal prosecutor Sarah Jenkins stepped forward with a heavy stack of files.
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"Objecting vehemently, Your Honor; the defendant is an extreme flight risk with active offshore channels," Jenkins countered firmly.
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