Chapter 10 - THE FEDERAL INDICTMENT
The heavy doors of the grand courtroom swung open, and the bailiff called out in a loud, resonant voice. "All rise for the Honorable Judge Thomas Vance."
Julian stood up awkwardly, his knees shaking as he entered the cavernous room. The gallery was packed with journalists, corporate lawyers, and federal agents, all watching the final collapse of the Vance Capital executive team.
The federal prosecutor stepped up to the podium, opening a massive red folder stamped with the seal of the United States Attorney’s Office.
"Your Honor, the government presents a forty-count indictment against Julian Vance," the prosecutor read clearly. "Charging the defendant with treason, corporate espionage, wire fraud, and grand larceny against the United States maritime infrastructure."
Julian’s public defender stepped forward, holding a microphone with a trembling hand. "Your Honor, my client requests immediate release on bail, as he possesses no personal financial assets or travel documentation."
The judge looked down over his half-moon spectacles, his expression hardened like granite as he looked at the defendant standing before him.
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"Bail is denied," the judge ruled firmly, slamming his gavel against the wooden block with a loud thud that echoed through the room. "The defendant will remain in federal custody at the Metropolitan Correctional Center pending trial."
Two federal marshals immediately stepped up behind Julian, clicking heavy steel handcuffs around his wrists before he could make a single plea. He turned his head desperately, searching the front row for Samantha, but her seat was already empty.
