Chapter 25 - THE UNYIELDING VERDICT
After a swift two-day trial and less than an hour of jury deliberation, Judge Thomas returned to the bench.
The courtroom fell into an absolute, breathless silence as the jury foreperson stood up to read the official verdict.
"On all counts of federal grand larceny, corporate fraud, and conspiracy, we find the defendant, Mark Sterling, guilty," the foreperson declared.
Judge Thomas struck his gavel down with a sharp, echoing crack that sealed the defendant's fate permanently.
"Mr. Sterling, you have abused your position and attempted to steal from an institution of public trust," Judge Thomas stated sternly.
"I hereby sentence you to twenty-five years in a federal penitentiary without the possibility of parole."
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Mark closed his eyes tightly as federal marshals stepped forward, snapping handcuffs on his wrists once more.
He was led away down the sterile hallway, disappearing into the dark abyss of a system he thought he could manipulate.
