Chapter 8 - Patricia's Empire
The prosecution called it an enterprise.
Patricia hated that word.
She preferred family.
But family was how she disguised the enterprise.
Laura supplied corporate information.
Ryan provided marital access.
Nicole created false advocacy records.
Patricia coordinated everything.
Investigators traced more than $8 million through entities connected to her over fifteen years.
Some money came from my father.
Some from previous employers.
Some from investors.
Some from her own children.
Ryan wasn't her only victim.
He was also one of her tools.
At trial, Patricia's defense blamed everyone.
Laura.
Nicole.
Ryan.
Me.
Dad.
Especially Dad.
She claimed Thomas Bennett had used his wealth to manufacture a criminal case because he hated seeing his daughter in an imperfect marriage.
Dad almost laughed.
Then prosecutors played the birthday video.
Patricia's smile disappeared.
Next came the USB.
Then the fake psychiatric records.
Then the conservatorship plan.
Then the financial transfers.
Finally, the RYAN - LIABILITY box.
Patricia had documented herself into a corner.
The jury deliberated less than two days.
Guilty on the major counts.
At sentencing, Patricia asked to speak.
She looked directly at me.
“I tried to protect my family.”
I surprised myself by answering under my breath:
“No.”
Dad heard.
He squeezed my hand.
Patricia hadn't protected family.
May you like
She had protected control.
There was a difference.
