Chapter 24 - THE COURTHOUSE JUDGMENT
The federal courtroom was packed to capacity as Judge Thomas banged his gavel to restore order for the final sentencing.
Richard Vance stood at the defense table, his shoulders slumped in permanent, irreversible defeat.
"Mr. Vance, your systematic fraud, intimidation, and abuse of corporate power have caused widespread devastation," Judge Thomas stated sternly.
"I find you guilty on all counts of federal racketeering, grand larceny, and corporate conspiracy."
"I hereby sentence you to twenty-five years in a federal penitentiary without the possibility of parole."
The gavel struck the wooden block with a sharp echo that reverberated through the silent, solemn courtroom.
May you like
Richard closed his eyes tightly as federal marshals stepped forward, placing handcuffs on his wrists once more.
He was led away down the sterile hallway, disappearing into the dark abyss of the prison system he thought he could outsmart.
