Because as long as the IRS accepts it, there's still a chance to salvage the situation!
Regrettably, the words of Judge Sandy that followed on the stand drained the light from their faces.
On the stand, Sandy first glanced at David, Jennifer, and the others on the bench, and seeing their unmoved expressions,
he had no reason to hesitate and directly stood up to pronounce the sentence, "The defendant Sharp is found guilty of tax evasion, the amount being substantial. Additionally, as a public official who broke the law knowingly, the crime is increased by one level, resulting in a sentence of 1200 years without the possibility of parole, and the confiscation of $510,000 in taxes!"
Even Sharp who was just now unrestrainable, lost his composure upon hearing the 1200-year sentence.
"The defendant Clement is found guilty of tax evasion, the amount being substantial. Additionally, as a public official who broke the law knowingly, the crime is increased by one level, resulting in a sentence of 1200 years without the possibility of parole, and the confiscation of $280,000 in taxes!"
Like Sharp, Clement, upon hearing his sentence also extended to 1200 years, was likewise soul-shattered, his gaze becoming vacant.
"All right, this trial is concluded!"
As Judge Sandy's verdict fell, the attendees, who had been invited to sit in, stood up and left one after another.
And David, Jennifer, and the others came forward to shake hands with Sandy, smiling and celebrating the successful conclusion of this trial.
...
Carson City, Governor's Mansion.
"What, convicted again, and for 1200 years? Fuck!"
Since the trial was not broadcast live and no electronic communication devices were allowed, it was only now that Eugene received the call with the update.
However, upon hearing the results of the trial, he immediately exploded into a furious tirade.
After calming down for a good while, Eugene approached a room door, knocked, and then entered.
Inside, Stevenson was talking with his wife, Abbe Ingrid.
And Abbe, with tears streaking down, clutched a picture frame and lamented, "I don't care, I want the person who harmed my son to pay the price they deserve. If you can't handle it, I can ask my uncle's side for help!"
Eugene, hardly daring to breathe, weakly said, "I suspect the other 16 cities are convening an emergency meeting by now. I fear no matter how much we threaten or entice them, it won't be possible to stabilize the situation."
Eugene, fearing Stevenson might again send him to coerce the city halls of the 16 cities, hurriedly spoke out first.
Stevenson was silent.
He wasn't a fool, and neither were the city halls of the remaining 16 cities.
After the tremors David had caused in two cities consecutively, if anyone still had the guts to carry out his hardline directives, their courage must be monumental!
"However, Governor, even though the hardline directives are nearly bankrupted, his approach has given me an inspiration..."
Seeing the cunning look in Eugene's eyes, Stevenson immediately asked, "What inspiration?"
With a sinister look, Eugene said, "If he can use tax evasion to discipline the city hall and force their compliance, can't we use the same method to deal with him or someone in their IRS?"
These words made Stevenson's eyes light up.
Indeed! If they could find evidence of David evading taxes, or accepting bribes,
then this bastard would be done for!
Moreover, he would undoubtedly suffer a fate worse than Bitcher's and Adelaide's!
After all, David was known for his iron-fisted approach against tax evasion, and by now, many in Nevada State and even across the country looked up to him as an icon.
But if he himself were implicated in tax evasion, then wouldn't this be a slap to his followers' faces?
Whether it be his fans or the public, they would certainly erupt in fury!
This bastard would not only be disgraced but would also reap what he had sown!
After all, although Bitcher and Adelaide knowingly broke the law,
David, as the Chief Tax Officer of the IRS, knew even more about the dark tax bill; yet daring to accept bribes and evade taxes, wouldn't a mere 1200 years of harsh punishment be too light?
He would inevitably need at least 2-3000 years to set the record straight, right?