Chapter 14 - The Federal Sentencing
Six months later, Courtroom 402 of the Daniel Patrick Moynihan United States Courthouse in lower Manhattan was packed to maximum capacity.
The grand federal trial of Lorenzo Moretti and Celeste Moretti had reached its historic conclusion under heavy armed federal security.
Lorenzo and Celeste sat at the defense table in bright orange Department of Corrections jumpsuits, their wrists and ankles bound in heavy steel chains.
Lorenzo looked gaunt, his hair completely silver, his arrogant posture permanently destroyed beneath the weight of forty-two felony convictions.
Celeste sat beside her court-appointed public defender, her hands shaking uncontrollably, her vanity completely annihilated.
The Honorable Judge Evelyn Cross adjusted her black judicial robes, leaning forward over the high mahogany bench to pronounce the final sentences.
“Lorenzo Moretti, for the premeditated murder of Marcus Vance, corporate treason, and interstate racketeering, you are sentenced to two consecutive life terms in federal maximum-security prison without the possibility of parole,” Judge Cross declared.
“You will serve your sentence at ADX Florence Supermax in Colorado with zero communication privileges.”
Judge Cross then turned her piercing gaze toward Celeste, whose shoulders shook with violent, pathetic sobs.
“Celeste Moretti, for conspiracy to commit murder, human trafficking, aggravated domestic torture, and extortion, you are sentenced to thirty-five years in federal prison without parole.”
“You will serve your sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution in Aliceville, Alabama, and all assets carrying your name are permanently confiscated for victim restitution.”
Judge Cross brought her heavy wooden gavel down three times: BAM! BAM! BAM!
“Court is officially adjourned!”
The entire courtroom gallery erupted into applause as federal marshals dragged Lorenzo and Celeste through the heavy iron prisoner exits into eternal oblivion.
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Dante, Elena, and Maya sat in the front row of the gallery, holding hands in quiet, dignified peace as the doors closed forever on the traitors of the past.
The blood debt was paid in full, the fallen hero was avenged, and justice had triumphed over thirty years of darkness.
