Chapter 18 - The Wife Faces Formal Charges At The Precinct
At 9:00 AM sharp, Elena Vance was led in heavy iron shackles into the federal district courtroom in downtown Manhattan.
She wore a standard orange jumpsuit that clashed violently with her dyed blonde hair and pale, exhausted complexion.
The federal judge adjusted his spectacles, looking down from his elevated wooden bench with an expression of severe judicial gravity.
“Elena Vance, you stand charged with federal wire fraud, grand larceny, insurance falsification, and conspiracy,” the judge stated.
“How do you plead to these formal indictments, Mrs. Vance?” the judge asked, his voice echoing clearly across the silent room.
Elena looked toward the gallery, hoping to see a familiar face, but found only hostile reporters and federal investigators.
“Not... not guilty, Your Honor,” she whispered weakly, her bravado completely shattered by the reality of her trial.
“Bail is denied given your prior flight risk and attempt to escape custody during the initial arrest,” the judge declared firmly.
May you like
He slammed his heavy wooden gavel down onto the desk, sealing her fate as court marshals led her back toward holding.
***
