Winnie tried to shirk responsibility, “It was all Linda’s idea! She said that Sarah was beautiful and innocent and the photos would definitely get her money!“>
Kelly cried the most, “We know we were wrong…we can return the money…can you please not tell the school…don’t let my parents know…”
But it was too late. Due to the huge amount of money involved and the serious nature of the case, the police decided to file a case for investigation.
A week later, the school held an emergency meeting. The principal, department director, counselor and parents of the students involved were all present.
Linda’s father was a senior executive of a certain company. As soon as he entered the door, he shouted, “My daughter couldn’t have done such a thing! Someone must have framed her!“>
Winnie’s mother kept wiping tears, “My daughter Winnie has been a good child since she was young, how could she…“>
Kelly’s parents were silent, their faces livid.}
As expected, people from the same family stick together.
The principal knocked on the table, “Quiet! I asked you all to come here today to announce a serious decision.”}
He pushed his glasses and said in a heavy voice, “After research and decision by the school committee, Linda, Winnie and Kelly will be expelled from school. At the same time, the school will fully cooperate with the police investigation.“}
Linda’s father stood up suddenly. “Principal! Is there still room for maneuver in this matter? I know The Director of the Education Bureau…“} “Mr. Jameson!” The principal interrupted him sternly, “This matter is already very serious and it can’t be solved by relying on connections!” The door of the conference room was suddenly pushed open and Mike walked in with two other rich second–generations.
“Hello, uncles and aunts.” Mike said politely, “The three families of the victims have reached an agreement and decided to pursue the case to the end.“}
Lucas added, “The total amount involved in the case is 1.28 million, which is already a particularly large amount.”
William looked at the three roommates coldly, “Are you ready to go to jail?“}
Linda finally broke down. She knelt on the ground with a plop, “I was wrong! I really know I was wrong! I will pay back all the money! Please don’t let me go to jail! I’m only 19 years old!“}
Winnie and Kelly also knelt down and cried.
I watched this scene and there was no pleasure in my heart, only deep fatigue.}
In my previous life, I also knelt down and begged for mercy in despair, but what I got in return was a beating and death.
A month later, the case was heard in court. In court, the prosecutor read out the indictment:
“The defendants Linda, Winnie and Kelly used other people’s photos to create fictitious identities for the purpose of illegal possession and defrauded three victims of a total of 1.28 million dollar… The behavior constituted the crime of fraud…“}
The three roommates stood in the dock and they no longer had the arrogance of the past. They lowered their heads and trembled constantly.
When the judge asked them whether they pleaded guilty, the three of them nodded with tears in their eyes, “We plead guilty… We really know we were wrong…”
When it was the victim’s turn to make a statement, Mike stood up first, “I admit that I was attracted by the beautiful photos at first. But what made me even more angry was the feeling of being deceived. They not only cheated me of my money, but also trampled on my feelings.”
Lucas continued, “Because of this incident, I got depression and dared not go out to see people for two months.””
William looked at me, “The one who should apologize to the most is Sarah. Not only was her photo used by someone else, but she also suffered from online violence, which almost ruined her life.“}
Finally, the judge asked me to speak.
I stood up and looked around the court. The audience was full of journalists, students and the public who cared about the case.
