Chapter 13 - Stripping the In-Laws of Every Stolen Asset
After only two hours of deliberation—one of the fastest verdicts in federal judicial history—the jury returned to the courtroom.
The courtroom clerk read the verdict:
"On Count One, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Bank Fraud: Guilty.
On Count Two, Aggravated Identity Theft: Guilty.
On Count Three, Grand Larceny and Forgery: Guilty.
On Count Four, Unlawful Imprisonment and Extortion: Guilty.
On Count Five, Tampering with Evidence and Money Laundering: Guilty."
The guilty verdicts were unanimous across all thirty-seven counts for Linda, Connor, and Blake.
Judge Sterling slammed his gavel down and turned his attention to the civil asset forfeiture judgment.
"Pursuant to the provisions of the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act," Judge Sterling announced in a booming, stern voice, "this Court orders the immediate and total forfeiture of all assets owned, managed, or controlled by the defendants.
"The full property deed to the Pasadena estate is hereby formally restored to Madison Carter. All seized funds totaling $16,740,000, along with an additional punitive damages award of $10,000,000, shall be liquidated from the defendants’ seized estates and transferred immediately into a protected trust for Madison Carter and Ethan Carter.
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"Furthermore, the Court orders the complete and permanent termination of all parental rights of Connor Vance regarding the minor child, Ethan Carter. A permanent lifetime restraining order is hereby enacted."
Connor collapsed onto the defense table, howling in despair as federal marshals pulled him to his feet. Linda stared at the ceiling in complete shock, realizing that her family name, her wealth, and her freedom had been completely eradicated.
