Chapter 15 - THE ARRAIGNMENT IN NEW YORK
The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York was packed to absolute capacity for the formal arraignment.
Judge Harrison banged his gavel sharply, restoring immediate order to the chaotic courtroom filled with reporters and federal prosecutors.
Julian and Victoria Vance sat side by side at the defense table, both wearing drab orange prison jumpsuits without makeup or jewelry.
The federal prosecutor read the formal charges aloud, detailing fifty counts of fraud, extortion, conspiracy, and domestic assault.
"How do you plead to the charges, Mr. Vance?" Judge Harrison asked, his voice echoing with stern judicial authority.
Julian looked across the courtroom, his eyes briefly meeting Detective Miller sitting in the front gallery.
With his shoulders slumped in total defeat, Julian spoke into the microphone in a barely audible whisper.
"Guilty, Your Honor," Julian murmured, sealing his fate for the next several decades behind federal bars.
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Victoria gasped aloud, turning to glare at her son in absolute fury as he surrendered without a fight.
Judge Harrison recorded the plea, setting sentencing for the first week of the upcoming winter session.
