Chapter 16 - The Unanimous Verdict
After less than an hour of deliberation, the federal jury returned to the courtroom with a unanimous guilty verdict on all twelve counts.
The court clerk read the findings aloud in a clear, resonant voice that filled the silent courtroom.
"On Count One, federal wire fraud... GUILTY."
"On Count Two, distribution of a controlled substance... GUILTY."
"On Count Three, aggravated identity theft and forgery... GUILTY."
Victoria let out a strangled cry, slumping forward onto the table as her attorney patted her back in helpless resignation.
Julian sat in the back row of the gallery, covering his face with his hands as he sobbed quietly for the mother he had lost to greed.
The federal judge looked down at Victoria with absolute, unyielding coldness as he prepared to deliver his sentence.
"Victoria Vance, you abused your position as a mother to poison your own child and destroy an innocent young woman's life," the judge declared.
"Your sociopathic greed and total lack of human empathy warrant the maximum sentence allowed under federal guidelines."
"I sentence you to twenty-two years in a federal penitentiary without the possibility of early parole."
"Court is adjourned."
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The bailiffs pulled Victoria to her feet, locking heavy waist chains around her torso as they led her out through the side door.
She looked back at me one last time, her eyes hollow, empty, and filled with deep, permanent defeat.
