Chapter 18 - ARTHUR’S VERDICT
Arthur was convicted on several bank-fraud, wire-fraud, false-statement, and conspiracy counts.
Acquitted on two counts where the government failed to prove specific intent regarding particular development invoices.
Acquitted on one obstruction count tied to a deletion order that could not be attributed to him beyond reasonable doubt.
Mixed verdict.
North Crest itself had done legitimate work.
Not every fee was fraudulent.
The central falsehoods stood:
Mercer consent.
Related-party disclosure.
Collateral authority.
Arthur showed no visible reaction.
Outside court, reporters asked me:
“Did you bring down the Vance empire?”
“No.”
I kept walking.
Vance Meridian still existed.
Employees still worked.
Properties still operated.
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An empire is easier to imagine than a company.
What ended was Arthur’s control.
