Chapter 15 - THE VERDICT OF JUSTICE
After just forty-five minutes of private deliberation, the jury returned to the courtroom with a unanimous decision.
Judge Harrison accepted the signed verdict form from the jury foreman, reviewing the counts silently before speaking.
"On count one, felony child endangerment, how do you find?" Judge Harrison asked formally.
"Guilty," the jury foreman announced clearly.
"On count two, felony assault and grand larceny, how do you find?"
"Guilty," the foreman repeated, his clear voice echoing through the silent courtroom gallery.
Eleanor let out a sharp, choked cry, slumping forward onto the defense table as her attorneys held her arms.
"Eleanor Montgomery, I sentence you to twenty-two years in federal prison without eligibility for early parole," Judge Harrison ruled.
The judge’s wooden gavel struck the desk with a decisive boom that closed the legal chapter forever.
Federal marshals hoisted Eleanor to her feet, placing heavy steel handcuffs around her wrists in front of national news crews.
May you like
Ethan stood up beside Hannah, placing a protective arm around her waist as they exited the courthouse into the snow.
***
