Chapter 16 - The Grand Jury Speaks
On Monday morning, the federal courthouse in downtown Columbus was swarming with news vans and investigative journalists.
The scandal had ballooned beyond a domestic violence incident into one of the largest medical device fraud rings exposed in the Midwest. Headlines blared across national news sites:
*“Nurse Uncovers Multi-Million Dollar Counterfeit Ventilator Ring After Escaping 3-Day Marriage.”*
Clara, Iris, and I walked up the marble steps together, flanked by Sarah Bennett and Uncle Arthur.
We didn't hide our faces from the flashing cameras. We didn't rush. We walked with our heads held high, three women who had refused to be erased.
Inside courtroom 4B, Eleanor Ward was brought in wearing an orange jumpsuit and wrist restraints. When she saw Clara and Iris sitting side-by-side behind the prosecution table, she let out a choked sound that was half sob, half hiss.
The federal judge, Judge Evelyn Ramirez, did not waste time with pleasantries.
“In the matter of the United States versus Wesley Ward, Eleanor Ward, and Marcus Gable,” Judge Ramirez announced, peering over her horn-rimmed glasses. “The court has reviewed the negotiated plea agreements submitted by defense counsel.”
Wesley’s lawyer stood up, sweating through his three-piece suit. “Your Honor, my clients wish to enter pleas of guilty to counts one through twelve of the indictment, in exchange for sentencing leniency.”
Judge Ramirez looked down at the prosecution. “Does the government concur?”
District Attorney Judith Vance stood tall. “The government rejects any sentence reduction that does not include mandatory minimum prison terms. Furthermore, the victims—Nina Vance, Clara Evans, and Iris Ward—have requested to read impact statements before this court accepts the plea.”
The judge nodded. “Ms. Vance, you may address the court.”
May you like
I stepped up to the podium, adjusted the microphone, and looked Wesley Ward dead in the eye.
***