Chapter 7 - The Trial Preparation
Over the next three months, the federal case against my parents and sister moved forward with terrifying efficiency.
With all three of them unable to post the required bail, they remained locked inside the Federal Detention Center in SeaTac. Without their luxury clothes, country club gossip, and expensive lifestyle, the reality of their situation broke them completely.
In late October, AUSA Sarah Jenkins requested a meeting at my brigade headquarters.
I sat in my office as Jenkins placed a thick, sealed binder on my desk.
"They want a plea deal, Colonel," Jenkins said, taking a sip of black tea.
I leaned back, resting my elbows on my chair. "What are the terms they're offering?"
"Richard and Eleanor are willing to plead guilty to one count of Wire Fraud and one count of Aggravated Identity Theft," Jenkins explained. "In exchange, they want the money laundering charges dropped, and they are begging for a recommendation of probation or home confinement due to their age."
"And Madison?"
"Madison's attorney is offering a full guilty plea to accessory after the fact and illegal use of stolen access devices, provided she receives a deferred sentence with community service and full restitution."
I picked up my pen, tapping it gently against the desk. "And what is the Department of Justice's recommendation, Ms. Jenkins?"
"Given the premeditated nature of the crime, the fact that they intercepted your military mail, and the fact that Richard previously forged your name on a fifty-thousand-dollar loan six years ago," Jenkins said sternly, "we are rejecting home confinement entirely. We are recommending thirty-six months in federal prison for Richard, twenty-four months for Eleanor, and twelve months of supervised probation with three hundred hours of community service for Madison."
I looked out my office window at the parade field outside. A battalion of soldiers was conducting physical training, their voices chanting in perfect unison under the crisp morning sky.
My parents had spent thirty-two years believing that power came from intimidation, manipulation, and cruelty. They believed that weakness was taking care of others, and strength was taking whatever you wanted from those who loved you.
They needed to learn that true power comes from accountability.
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"Approve the plea deal on those terms, Ms. Jenkins," I said, looking back at her. "No probation for my parents. They serve real time in a federal penitentiary."
"Understood, Colonel," Jenkins smiled, standing up and shaking my hand. "The sentencing hearing is set for November 15th."
