Chapter 8 - The Hammer of Justice
It took the jury less than forty-five minutes to reach a verdict.
When the court reconvened, the tension in the room was palpable. Daniel was shaking so violently his chair rattled against the floor. Vivian stared blankly at the wall, her face pale.
"Will the defendants please rise," Judge Richard Sterling commanded.
Daniel and Vivian stood up, flanked by their attorneys.
"On Count One, Felony Domestic Battery with a Deadly Weapon: Guilty," the jury foreman read.
"On Count Two, False Reporting to Law Enforcement: Guilty."
"On Count Three, Grand Larceny: Guilty."
"On Count Four through Twelve, Federal Wire Fraud and Conspiracy: Guilty on all counts."
Daniel dropped his head onto the table, sobbing loudly. Vivian collapsed into her seat, whispering, "No... no, this isn't real..."
Two weeks later, the sentencing hearing took place. Judge Sterling, known as one of the toughest federal judges in the district, did not hold back.
"Mr. Bennett," Judge Sterling said, looking down over his spectacles at Daniel. "You exhibited a level of entitlement, cruelty, and financial criminality that is frankly appalling. You abused a woman who supported you, served her country, and offered you every opportunity to build a honorable life. Instead, you stole from her, assaulted her, and attempted to use the legal system to destroy her."
Judge Sterling slammed his gavel down. "I sentence you to twenty-four years in a federal maximum-security penitentiary, without the possibility of parole. Furthermore, you are ordered to pay $2.4 million in restitution."
Daniel cried out as federal marshals grabbed his arms to lead him away.
"As for you, Mrs. Vivian Bennett," Judge Sterling continued, turning his icy gaze to the older woman. "You operated as the brain behind this toxic financial enterprise, encouraging your son's abusive behavior and participating in grand larceny. I sentence you to fourteen years in federal custody."
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"Claire! Help us! Please!" Vivian screamed as the marshals dragged her toward the side door. "You’re an Army officer! You're supposed to show mercy!"
Claire stood up, adjusted her uniform jacket, and spoke in a clear, carrying voice that rang out across the silent courtroom: "Mercy is reserved for the remorseful, Vivian. Justice is reserved for you."
