Chapter 21 - Sabine takes a plea
The privacy and coercion case had complexities.
Sabine herself had not logged into the clinic.
Melissa had.
Could prosecutors prove Sabine requested the illegal access before it happened?
Messages suggested curiosity but were less clear on explicit instruction.
Could they prove she later knowingly possessed unlawfully obtained material?
Much stronger.
Could they prove she intended to use it for economic pressure?
Strongest.
Sabine ultimately pleaded guilty to:
One felony coercion/extortion-related count.
One count involving knowing misuse/possession of improperly obtained protected information under the applicable charging theory.
Other charges dismissed.
She admitted:
She knew the fertility information was obtained without authorization.
She retained it.
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She prepared to use disclosure as leverage in commercial negotiations.
That was enough.
