Chapter 8 - The Legal Trap
At 2:00 PM, I received a call from the United States Attorney handling the case. He requested a meeting at the temporary command post we had set up at a local hotel.
When I walked in, Marcus’s defense attorney, a slick, expensive lawyer from Austin named Vance Sterling, was sitting across from the prosecutor, looking incredibly nervous.
“Admiral,” the US Attorney nodded, offering me a seat. “Mr. Sterling here is attempting to negotiate a plea deal for his client.”
Sterling cleared his throat, avoiding eye contact with my uniform. “Admiral Vance. My client recognizes that he made a severe error in judgment regarding the communications equipment. He is willing to plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge of interfering with a police officer, provided the federal espionage and felony assault charges are dropped.”
I let out a short, cold laugh. “A misdemeanor?”
“He is a decorated veteran of the local police force,” Sterling argued weakly. “He has deep ties to the community. A felony conviction would strip him of his pension and his freedom. We believe a quiet resignation and a probationary period is in everyone’s best interest. It saves your mother the trauma of a trial.”
I leaned across the table, my eyes locked onto the lawyer like a sniper scope.
“Mr. Sterling, let me explain the reality of your client’s situation. When he placed his hands on me, he assaulted a Flag Officer of the United States Navy. When he destroyed that terminal, he severed a live connection to the National Command Authority during an active military operation. That is a violation of the Espionage Act.”
Sterling visibly swallowed, his confidence completely evaporating.
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“Furthermore,” I continued, “I have federal task forces currently ripping up the floorboards of his corrupt precinct. We have evidence of witness intimidation, evidence tampering, and embezzlement. You aren't here to negotiate a plea deal. You are here to surrender.”
I stood up, adjusting my uniform jacket. “You tell Marcus that I am taking this to trial. I want it public, I want it loud, and I want every single abuser in this county to watch him get dragged away in chains. There is no deal.”
