Chapter 21 - Gary pleads
The prosecution and defense negotiated.
The child-abuse evidence was strong.
The attempt to misuse the guardianship process created additional charges but also difficult legal questions.
Gary ultimately pleaded guilty to:
Felony child endangerment.
Domestic violence.
Attempted evidence tampering/fraud connected to the planned court filing.
He admitted:
He intentionally used excessive physical punishment against Ethan.
He anticipated that I would intervene.
He intended to use my reaction as support for claims that I was dangerously aggressive.
He hoped continued parental control over my financial rights would help preserve the Midland transaction and his associated business opportunity.
He did not admit:
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That every prior family conflict had been staged.
Evidence did not support that.
