Chapter 17 - Julian goes to trial
Charges included:
Kidnapping conspiracy.
Unlawful confinement conspiracy.
Wire/mail-related fraud? We can keep generic state/federal corporate fraud charges later? Better state financial fraud plus firearms.
Attempted procurement/control fraud related to recapitalization representations.
Weapons charges from Carter House.
Obstruction-related count tied to concealment.
Not every aggressive business decision criminal.
Prosecution focused on false representations and concealment.
Clara testified.
She admitted lies.
Defense attacked.
“Were you paid?”
“Yes.”
“Were you in debt?”
“Yes.”
“Did you physically take Leo?”
“Yes.”
“Did Julian?”
“No.”
“Did Julian ever touch Leo?”
“Sometimes he brought food. I never saw him hit Leo.”
Important.
Then:
“Who locked doors?”
“Both of us at different times.”
“Who decided Leo could not return?”
“Julian.”
“How do we know?”
“Because he told me.”
Then recorder.
Julian’s voice.
Once Arthur signs tomorrow...
Defense:
Boast.
Not legal description.
True.
Then North Meridian partner Ethan Cross testified:
“We would never have closed if we knew founder’s incapacity concerns were being manufactured or that his missing son was alive.”
Defense:
They still wanted deal.
Cross:
“We wanted a lawful deal.”
Then Rebecca Sloan:
Had board authorized Julian to represent Arthur medically?
No.
Had Arthur approved North Meridian transaction?
No final approval.
Had board agreed to remove him?
No.
So fraud attempt incomplete.
Then gun evidence.
Simple.
He carried a suppressed handgun into room.
Pointed.
Fired.
May you like
Defense said accidental discharge during confrontation.
Jury could decide.
