Target 1: David Miller.
My father had always been proud of his position as a regional safety manager for a large construction firm. He bragged about his bonuses, his influence.
But the file in front of Michael told a different story. It contained bank records showing unexplained deposits into an offshore account. It contained emails between my father and several subcontractors, discussing kickbacks in exchange for overlooking safety violations.
Michael put the file into a large manila envelope. He addressed it to the Board of Directors of the construction firm. Then, he made a copy and addressed it to OSHA.
“Embezzlement and safety violations,” Michael muttered. “Goodbye, pension. Goodbye, freedom.”
Target 2: Linda Miller.
My mother portrayed herself as a devout, charitable woman. But Chen’s report revealed a darker habit. She had a gambling addiction.
To fund it, she had been claiming disability benefits for a back injury that didn’t exist, while simultaneously working under the table as a caterer. The file contained videos of her carrying heavy trays at weddings, followed by her walking into the Social Security office with a cane.
Worse, there were pawn shop receipts. Receipts for jewelry that matched the descriptions of items reported stolen by her catering clients.
Michael sealed the second envelope. Addressed to the Social Security Administration Fraud Division and the local police department’s larceny unit.
