Behind the sheriff walked Federal Prosecutor Janet Walsh. “Mr. Hawthorne,” she announced loudly. “Your destruction of authorized federal flood control infrastructure was the final evidence we needed. You will be held personally liable for every dollar of this flood damage.”
The insurance estimators had already pegged the initial damage at $8.2 million. Dexter’s personal assets were about to be vaporized.
The room erupted into cheers as Dexter was dragged out in handcuffs on live television.
Over the next six months, the consequences rolled out like a beautifully orchestrated symphony of justice.
Dexter Hawthorne was sentenced to 18 months in a federal facility for embezzlement, plus 5 years for criminal negligence. He was hit with $1.2 million in direct restitution and permanently banned from ever serving on an HOA board. His real estate company was liquidated to pay for the civil damages.
His corrupt golf buddies didn’t fare much better. The county inspector who filed the fake report lost his license and served six months for falsifying government documents. Three county commissioners faced federal conspiracy charges.
