Chapter 10
The federal trial of Jessica Sterling commenced in early November before a packed courtroom in downtown Manhattan.
Journalists, photographers, and curious onlookers crowded the stone steps, eager to catch a glimpse of the disgraced socialite.
Jessica was escorted into the courtroom in a standard orange jumpsuit, her long dark hair unstyled and devoid of glamour.
She avoided looking at the gallery, where Ethan sat quietly in the front row alongside his mother and legal advisors.
The federal prosecutor presented the devastating evidence piece by piece, starting with the security camera footage from the study.
When the high-definition video of Jessica abusing Martha played on the courtroom monitors, audible gasps echoed through the room.
Jurors watched in horror as the cruel strikes of the wooden broom handle were replayed in crystal-clear, unedited detail.
Jessica’s defense counsel offered no objections, knowing that the mountain of digital and physical evidence was insurmountable.
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The jury deliberated for less than forty minutes before returning a unanimous verdict of guilty on all counts of fraud and abuse.
SENTENCED TO TWENTY-FIVE YEARS IN A FEDERAL MAXIMUM-SECURITY PENITENTIARY WITHOUT PAROLE.
