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00:00:00My son called me. I'm getting married tomorrow. I withdrew all the money from your bank accounts
00:00:06and sold the house. Bye. I just laughed out loud. He didn't know that the house he sold was
00:00:13actually. I'm glad you're here with me. Please like this video and listen to my story till the
00:00:19end and let me know which city you're listening from. That way I can see how far my story has
00:00:26traveled. I had spent 37 years building my life. Carefully brick by brick. My name is Margaret
00:00:34Thornton and at 62, I thought. I had seen everything life could throw at me. I lived in a modest two
00:00:41bedroom house in suburban Ohio, worked part time. At the local library and enjoyed my quiet routine.
00:00:49My son, Derek, was 34 and. Had always been ambitious, perhaps too ambitious.
00:00:56The first strange thing. Happened three months before everything fell apart. Derek called me
00:01:03asking about my bank. Account numbers. Mom, I need to help you set up automatic bill payments,
00:01:10he said, his voice smooth as honey. You're. Getting older, and I don't want you to miss anything
00:01:16important. I hesitated, but he was my son, my only. Child. His father had died when Derek was 12,
00:01:26and I had raised him alone. Working two jobs, sacrificing everything. Surely I could trust
00:01:33him with this. The second sign came six weeks. Later. Derek visited with his fiancée, Brittany.
00:01:40She was 26. Beautiful in that. Sharp, calculated way that made me uneasy.
00:01:49They sat in my living room, and Brittany's eyes roamed over everything. The furniture,
00:01:54the paintings, the vintage clock on the mantle. This house must be worth quite a bit now,
00:02:00Margaret, she said, not even calling me Mom or Mrs. Thornton. Real. Estate in this area has
00:02:07really appreciated. It's my home, I replied simply. I'm not interested in selling. Derek laughed,
00:02:15squeezing her hand. Of course not, Mom. Brittany's just making. Conversation. But something in his
00:02:24eyes made my stomach turn. Then came the banking. Statements. I checked my accounts online every
00:02:32Sunday morning with my coffee. That particular Sunday in late October, my heart stopped.
00:02:38My savings account. The one with $127,000 I had accumulated through decades of. Careful saving,
00:02:47through my husband's life insurance, through years of denying myself vacations and new clothes,
00:02:52showed. A balance of $1,200. My checking account was empty except for. $53.
00:03:00My hands shook as I called the bank. The representative, a kind young woman. Named Ashley,
00:03:09pulled up my transaction history. Mrs. Thornton, it looks like these.
00:03:14Withdrawals were authorized through your online banking portal. The transfers were made to an
00:03:19account belonging to. Derek Thornton. Is that your son? I couldn't speak. I simply hung up.
00:03:28I sat. In my kitchen for three hours staring at the wall. How could he? Why would he? I had.
00:03:38Given him everything. I had sacrificed my youth, my opportunities, my. Relationships,
00:03:45and this was how he repaid me. My phone rang the next. Morning. Derek.
00:03:51I almost didn't answer, but something made me pick up. Hey, Mom. His voice was cheerful,
00:03:59excited even. Great news. Tomorrow, I'm getting married. Brittany and I decided not to. Wait.
00:04:09We're having a beautiful ceremony at the Riverside Country Club. My throat. Felt tight.
00:04:15Derek. Derek, my bank accounts. Oh, that. He. Laughed. Actually laughed. Yeah, Mom. I withdrew the
00:04:27money. I needed it for the. Wedding and for our new start. Don't worry. You'll be fine with your
00:04:35social security. And here's the other thing. I. Sold the house. I had power of attorney from those
00:04:44documents you signed last year. Remember, the closing was. Yesterday. You have 30 days to move
00:04:52out. The world tilted. You sold my house. I. Got a great price. $340,000. That money is going toward
00:05:05our down. Payment on a condo in the city. Look, I have to go. Caterers calling. We'll talk.
00:05:14After the honeymoon. Bye, Mom. The line went dead. I sat there, phone in my. Hand, feeling the weight
00:05:24of betrayal crushing my chest. Then slowly. Something else rose inside me. Not anger, not yet.
00:05:33Something colder. Something that made my lips curve into a smile. I started laughing softly at.
00:05:40First, then louder until tears rolled down my cheeks. Derek had no idea what. He had just done.
00:05:49That house he sold, the one he thought was my simple. Suburban home worth $340,000.
00:05:56He had just made the biggest mistake of. His life. Because the house Derek sold wasn't the house I
00:06:03actually lived in. It. Was the rental property I had purchased 15 years ago, the one I had deliberately
00:06:11registered in my name for tax purposes. The one currently occupied by tenants with a lease
00:06:17agreement lasting another 18 months. My real home, the one I. Actually lived in, mortgage-free,
00:06:24worth nearly $600,000. Was in a trust under my late husband's mother's estate name.
00:06:30Derek didn't even know it existed. Oh, my foolish, greedy. Son. What had you done? The laughter faded,
00:06:41leaving behind something harder. Something that settled in my bones like ice. I sat at my kitchen
00:06:48table, my real. Kitchen table, and forced myself to think clearly. What had I actually lost? The rental.
00:06:57Property Derek sold would create a legal nightmare for him. The buyers would discover tenants with a
00:07:03valid. Lease. The Hendersons had lived there for three years and had 16 months remaining.
00:07:10On their current contract. Derek would face lawsuits from the buyers for fraud. Possibly
00:07:17criminal charges for selling a property he didn't have the right to sell. The power of attorney he.
00:07:22Referenced. I had never signed such a document. Never. My stolen savings hurt. More.
00:07:33$127,000 represented my security, my freedom, my. Future medical care. That money was meant to ensure
00:07:42I never became a burden. To anyone. How bitterly ironic that my own son had stolen it to avoid me being a
00:07:49burden. Him. But here was the crucial thing Derek didn't understand. I wasn't defenseless. I wasn't
00:07:58some confused. Elderly woman who would simply accept this betrayal. I had spent decades. Working in legal
00:08:07offices before becoming a librarian. I understood contracts, property law, and fraud. More.
00:08:14Importantly, I had kept meticulous records of everything. I opened my filing cabinet and pulled
00:08:21out the folder. Labeled rental property, Oak Street. Inside were copies of the lease. Agreement
00:08:29with the Hendersons, proof of their security deposit, and my own deed to the property. I had never given
00:08:35Derek. Power of attorney. Whatever documents he claimed to have were either forged or. Obtained through
00:08:43deception. Next, I checked my real estate holdings. File. My actual home, the one I sat in now,
00:08:52was titled under the Robert. Thornton Family Trust, established by my late mother-in-law 20 years ago.
00:09:00I was. The trustee and beneficiary, but the property wasn't in my personal name. Derek had grown up in
00:09:07this house, but apparently he had never understood the legal structure behind it. When I had. Purchased
00:09:14the rental property years later, I had deliberately kept it simple in my own name for tax purposes.
00:09:21Derek. Must have assumed that modest rental was my only asset. I made myself coffee and. Began listing
00:09:29what I needed to do. First, report the theft to the police. Second, contact my bank's fraud department.
00:09:38Third, hire a lawyer. Fourth, ensure the Hendersons were protected and informed. Fifth, gather. Evidence of
00:09:47Derek's fraud for the property sale. But as I wrote, my hand slowed. Did I want to send my own son to.
00:09:54Prison. Prison. The thought made me feel sick. Despite everything, he was still the. Little boy
00:10:02I had rocked to sleep, the teenager I had helped with homework, the young man I had been so proud
00:10:07of when he. Graduated college. Then I remembered his voice on the phone. Cheerful, casual. You'll be
00:10:16fine with your social security. As if he had done nothing wrong. As if. Stealing his mother's life
00:10:24savings and selling her supposed home was just a minor inconvenience for me to deal with.
00:10:29What kind of man had I raised? I thought of Brittany with her calculating eyes and. Her pointed comments
00:10:36about property values. Had she pushed him to this? Or. Had Derek always been capable of such cruelty
00:10:44and I had simply refused to see. It. My phone buzzed. A text from my neighbor Patricia. Maggie saw for sale.
00:10:54Sign go up at your rental on Oak Street yesterday, then come down this morning. Everything okay?
00:11:01I texted back. Long. Story. Can we meet for coffee tomorrow? Patricia had been my friend for 15.
00:11:11Years. She was a retired paralegal. I would need allies for what was coming. That night,
00:11:18I barely slept. I kept imagining Derek's face when he realized what he had done. Would he feel.
00:11:26Remorse? Would he apologize? Or would he blame me somehow, claim I. Had tricked him? By morning,
00:11:35I had my plan. I would not go to the police. Immediately. Instead, I would gather every piece
00:11:43of evidence, document every. Crime, and build an irrefutable case. Then, I would confront Derek
00:11:51with the. Choice, make full restitution voluntarily, or face criminal prosecution. I would give him one
00:11:58chance to do the right thing, one chance to prove he was still my son and not the stranger who.
00:12:03Had laughed while robbing his mother. I called the bank at nine o'clock sharp. I need to. Report fraud
00:12:12and theft from my accounts, I told the representative. And I need a complete record of all transactions for.
00:12:19The past six months. Of course, Mrs. Thornton, I'm so sorry this happened. We'll start an investigation.
00:12:27Immediately. Immediately. Next, I called Martin Green, an attorney who attended my book club.
00:12:34Martin, I. Need your help. My son has stolen my savings and fraudulently sold a property I own.
00:12:42I need legal representation and I. Need it to be confidential until I'm ready to act.
00:12:48There was a pause. Margaret, this is serious. How much are. We talking about.
00:12:56One hundred and twenty-seven thousand dollars in cash theft. Approximately three hundred and forty
00:13:03thousand dollars. In fraudulent property sale proceeds. Jesus. Yes, I'll help you. Come to my.
00:13:13Office this afternoon. I hung up and looked at myself in the hallway mirror. My silver hair was neat.
00:13:20My blue eyes clear and determined. I looked like someone's sweet grandmother.
00:13:26Derek had forgotten that sweet grandmothers could also be warriors when necessary.
00:13:31My son wanted to get married. Tomorrow. Fine, let him enjoy his wedding. Let him.
00:13:39Think he had one. I would wait, gather my strength, and then I would show him.
00:13:45Exactly what happened when you betrayed the woman who had given you everything.
00:13:50Martin Green's law office was located in a quiet brick building downtown.
00:13:53I sat. Across from him at his mahogany desk, my folder of documents between us.
00:14:01He read. Through everything with increasing disbelief, occasionally making notes on his legal pad.
00:14:08Margaret, this is worse than I thought, he said finally, removing his glasses.
00:14:13Your son forged documents to sell property he didn't own.
00:14:17That's not just. Civil fraud. It's criminal. He could face five to ten years in prison.
00:14:25I know. I said quietly. But I need to understand all my options before I decide how to proceed.
00:14:34Martin nodded. Smart. Here's what we do first.
00:14:38First. File a fraud report with your bank to freeze any. Further transactions.
00:14:45Second, contact the title company that handled the property sale.
00:14:49They'll need to know the. Sale was fraudulent.
00:14:53Third, we file a police report. You can request that they.
00:14:58Investigate before pressing charges, which gives you some control over timing.
00:15:03What about the buyers of the. Property?
00:15:07They'll likely sue Derek for fraud once they discover the tenants.
00:15:11They may also sue the title company for.
00:15:14Failing to catch this.
00:15:16Either way, Derek will be liable for the full purchase.
00:15:20Price plus damages.
00:15:23Martin leaned back.
00:15:25Margaret, I have to.
00:15:27Ask, are you sure you want to go through with this?
00:15:30He's your son.
00:15:31I met his.
00:15:33Eyes.
00:15:35He stole my life savings and tried to make me homeless.
00:15:38What kind of son.
00:15:40Does that.
00:15:42We spent two hours preparing documents.
00:15:45By the time I left Martin's.
00:15:47Office, I had filed fraud claims with both my bank and the title company.
00:15:52The.
00:15:54Police report would be filed the next morning.
00:15:57As I walked to my car, my phone.
00:16:00Rang.
00:16:01Derek, the mom, why is the bank calling me about fraud investigation?
00:16:05What's going on?
00:16:07I took a breath, keeping my voice steady.
00:16:10Derek, the bank flagged the withdrawals from my account as suspicious.
00:16:15It's standard procedure when large sums are.
00:16:19Transferred.
00:16:20But I'm your son.
00:16:22Tell them it's fine.
00:16:23Is it fine, Derek?
00:16:25You took.
00:16:27One hundred and twenty seven thousand dollars without my permission.
00:16:31His voice changed, becoming harder.
00:16:34I had your.
00:16:36Permission.
00:16:37You gave me access to your accounts for emergencies, not to steal.
00:16:42Everything I own.
00:16:43I didn't steal.
00:16:45I borrowed it.
00:16:47Brittany and I will pay you.
00:16:49Back after we're settled.
00:16:51He sounded defensive now.
00:16:54Caught.
00:16:55And the house.
00:16:57Sale was completely legal.
00:16:59I had power of attorney.
00:17:01Derek, I never signed power.
00:17:04Of attorney papers.
00:17:06Silence.
00:17:07Then yes, you did.
00:17:10Last year, remember when.
00:17:12You were sick with pneumonia?
00:17:14I brought them to the hospital.
00:17:17My blood ran cold.
00:17:19I had been sick last year, hospitalized for four days, with severe pneumonia.
00:17:24I.
00:17:25Barely remembered that time, the fever, the medication, the exhaustion.
00:17:30Had.
00:17:31Derek taken advantage of my illness to get me to sign documents I didn't understand.
00:17:37I need to see those papers.
00:17:39I said.
00:17:41Mom, stop being difficult.
00:17:43Everything's legal.
00:17:45Just call the bank.
00:17:47And tell them to drop the investigation.
00:17:50His voice turned, pleading.
00:17:52Please, the.
00:17:54Wedding is tomorrow.
00:17:56I don't want this stress.
00:17:58You should have thought of that.
00:18:00Before you robbed your mother.
00:18:03I hung up before he could respond.
00:18:05That evening.
00:18:06Patricia came over with wine and sympathy.
00:18:10I told her everything, watching her face shift from shock to.
00:18:14Anger.
00:18:15That bastard, she said.
00:18:18Maggie, you know I'm here for whatever you need.
00:18:21Character witness research, anything.
00:18:24Thank you, I said, feeling the weight of.
00:18:27True friendship.
00:18:28Actually, I do need something.
00:18:32Can you help me contact the Hendersons?
00:18:34They.
00:18:35Need to know what's happening with the rental property.
00:18:39We called them together.
00:18:41Tom Henderson.
00:18:43Answered, his voice concerned.
00:18:45Mrs. Thornton, is everything all right?
00:18:48I.
00:18:50Explained the situation as gently as I could.
00:18:52There was a long silence.
00:18:55So, your son sold the house we're living in without telling you or us?
00:19:00Tom's.
00:19:01Voice was incredulous.
00:19:03What happens to our lease?
00:19:06Your lease is still valid.
00:19:08I assured him.
00:19:10I'm working.
00:19:11With my attorney to sort this out.
00:19:14You're protected, but I wanted you to know in case the buyers try to contact.
00:19:19You.
00:19:20Jesus, thank you for telling us.
00:19:23Let us know if you need anything.
00:19:26Statements, testimony, whatever.
00:19:29After we hung up, Patricia poured us both more.
00:19:32Wine.
00:19:34Derek has no idea what's coming, does he?
00:19:37No, I said.
00:19:39He thinks I'm just.
00:19:41A confused old woman he can manipulate.
00:19:44The next morning, I received an email from the title company.
00:19:48My hands shook.
00:19:50As I read it.
00:19:52Mrs. Thornton, our investigation has revealed serious.
00:19:56Irregularities with the sale of 1247 Oak Street.
00:20:00The power of attorney document.
00:20:03Submitted by Derek Thornton appears to contain your signature, but the notary seal is from
00:20:08a notary whose license was.
00:20:10Expired at the time.
00:20:12Additionally, the document is dated during your hospitalization, but our records show.
00:20:18The notary was in a different state that day.
00:20:21We are treating this as potential forgery and fraud.
00:20:24We have frozen all.
00:20:26Funds from the sale pending investigation.
00:20:29The buyers have been notified and are pursuing legal action.
00:20:33Against Mr. Thornton.
00:20:35I forwarded the email to Martin Green with a single line.
00:20:40He forged everything.
00:20:42This was the proof I needed.
00:20:44Derek hadn't just been reckless or morally questionable.
00:20:47He had committed.
00:20:50Calculated fraud.
00:20:51He had brought false documents to my hospital bed, perhaps.
00:20:56Getting me to sign blank papers in my delirium, then had them fraudulently notarized later.
00:21:01My phone buzzed.
00:21:03Another text from Derek.
00:21:05Mom, we need to talk.
00:21:08Can you come to the wedding?
00:21:10Tomorrow, please?
00:21:12I want you there.
00:21:14I stared at the message.
00:21:16He wanted me at.
00:21:18His wedding.
00:21:19The wedding he was paying for with my stolen money.
00:21:23The wedding he.
00:21:24Was having while I dealt with the chaos of his crimes.
00:21:28I typed back, I'll be.
00:21:30There.
00:21:31Let him think everything was fine.
00:21:34Let him marry his calculating.
00:21:36Bride.
00:21:38Celebrate with my stolen money.
00:21:40Believe he had gotten away with it.
00:21:42I.
00:21:44Would smile, take photos, play the proud mother, and then when he least expected.
00:21:49It, I would show him the consequences of betraying the woman who gave him life.
00:21:54The wedding was exactly what I expected, expensive, showy, and utterly devoid of.
00:22:00Genuine warmth.
00:22:01The Riverside Country Club glittered with white roses and.
00:22:05Crystal chandeliers.
00:22:07I wore my best dress, navy blue, elegant, understated.
00:22:12And arrived early.
00:22:14Brittany looked stunning in a designer gown that probably cost $10,000.
00:22:19My $10,000.
00:22:22Derek stood beside her in his tuxedo.
00:22:25Beaming like he didn't have a care in the world.
00:22:27When he saw me, he rushed over.
00:22:30Mom, you came?
00:22:32He hugged me.
00:22:34Tightly.
00:22:35I'm so glad you're here.
00:22:37I know things have been weird, but this is a fresh start for all of us.
00:22:42I pulled.
00:22:43Back, studying his face.
00:22:46Did he really believe that?
00:22:48Did he think stealing from?
00:22:50Me was just weird and not criminal?
00:22:53Congratulations, Derek, I said evenly.
00:22:57You look very happy.
00:22:59Brittany joined us, her smile sharp.
00:23:02Margaret, so nice.
00:23:04Of you to come.
00:23:06Derek was worried you'd be upset about, well, you know, the.
00:23:10Money and the house.
00:23:12But it's all for the best, really.
00:23:15You don't need that.
00:23:17Big house anymore, and Derek and I can build our future.
00:23:20How thoughtful, I.
00:23:23Replied, my tone pleasant, but my eyes cold.
00:23:27The ceremony was brief.
00:23:29I sat in.
00:23:30The front row, watching my son promise to love and cherish this woman who had.
00:23:36Helped him betray his own mother.
00:23:38During the reception, I made polite.
00:23:41Conversation, drank champagne I didn't taste, and took photos I would never.
00:23:47Want to see again.
00:23:48Then, just as they cut the cake, my.
00:23:52Phone buzzed.
00:23:53A text from Martin Green.
00:23:55Police investigation opened.
00:23:58Fraud.
00:23:59Charges being prepared.
00:24:01Move forward.
00:24:03I looked at Derek, laughing with his groomsmen, completely.
00:24:08Oblivious.
00:24:09Not yet, I thought.
00:24:11Let him enjoy this moment.
00:24:14It would be his last.
00:24:15Happy one for a long time.
00:24:18The confrontation came three days later.
00:24:21Derek and Brittany appeared at my door unannounced.
00:24:25Derek looked furious.
00:24:27Brittany's expression was icy calculation.
00:24:30What the hell did you do?
00:24:32Derek.
00:24:34Demanded, pushing past me into my living room.
00:24:37The title company froze the money.
00:24:40From the house sale.
00:24:42They're saying the power of attorney was forged.
00:24:44They're threatening to press charges.
00:24:47I closed.
00:24:49The door calmly.
00:24:51Perhaps because it was forged.
00:24:53You signed those papers.
00:24:56I.
00:24:57Signed blank papers while delirious with fever, not knowing what they were.
00:25:01You took advantage of your sick mother.
00:25:04I.
00:25:05Kept my voice steady.
00:25:07You also had them notarized fraudulently.
00:25:11Brittany stepped forward.
00:25:13This is ridiculous.
00:25:15Derek was helping you.
00:25:17You're old, Margaret.
00:25:19You can't manage your finances or your property anymore.
00:25:23We were doing you a favor by stealing my.
00:25:26Life savings.
00:25:27It's not stealing if you're too senile to manage it yourself.
00:25:31Her mask slipped, revealing the cold opportunist beneath.
00:25:35Derek is your son.
00:25:37Everything you have.
00:25:39Should go to him eventually anyway.
00:25:42We just needed it now.
00:25:44I see.
00:25:46I said.
00:25:47Quietly.
00:25:49So, this was your plan all along.
00:25:52Find a man with a wealthy parent.
00:25:54Manipulate him into stealing from her, then build your life on her money.
00:25:59Derek's face flushed.
00:26:01Don't talk about Brittany like that.
00:26:03She loves me.
00:26:05She loves your inheritance, I corrected.
00:26:08Or what she thought was your inheritance.
00:26:11Brittany laughed, harsh and ugly.
00:26:14You think you're so smart?
00:26:16You're going to.
00:26:18Drop these accusations or we'll make your life hell.
00:26:21We'll tell everyone you.
00:26:23Have dementia.
00:26:25We'll have you declared incompetent.
00:26:28We'll put you in a nursing home.
00:26:29I felt ice spread through my.
00:26:33Veins.
00:26:34Is that a threat?
00:26:35It's a promise, Derek said, his voice low and threatening.
00:26:40Mom, I'm trying to be nice here.
00:26:43Just tell the bank and the title company that you made a mistake.
00:26:47Tell them you.
00:26:48Authorized everything.
00:26:50Then we can all move on.
00:26:52And if I don't, Derek stepped.
00:26:55Closer, looming over me.
00:26:57Then you'll find out just how difficult your life.
00:27:01Can become.
00:27:02We have lawyers, too.
00:27:05We'll tie you up in court for years.
00:27:07We'll.
00:27:09Drain whatever money you have left in legal fees.
00:27:12We'll make sure everyone knows you're a confused old woman who.
00:27:16Can't remember what she signed.
00:27:18For a moment, I felt genuine fear.
00:27:21Not of.
00:27:23Their threats.
00:27:23I had evidence on my side, but of what my son had become.
00:27:28This angry, threatening man was a.
00:27:31Stranger wearing Derek's face.
00:27:33But I had not survived 37 years alone by being.
00:27:37Weak.
00:27:39Get out of my house, I said, my voice like steel.
00:27:43Both of you now.
00:27:44Mom, get out.
00:27:46The force of my voice surprised even me.
00:27:49You have five seconds.
00:27:51Before I call the police.
00:27:54One, two.
00:27:56They left.
00:27:57Brittany spitting curses.
00:27:59Derek's face twisted with rage.
00:28:02As their car pulled away, I sat down.
00:28:06Heavily on my couch, my hands shaking.
00:28:09The mask was off.
00:28:11Now I knew exactly who.
00:28:13I was dealing with.
00:28:14I called Martin the next morning.
00:28:18File the police report.
00:28:20Press full charges.
00:28:22I want them prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
00:28:26Are you sure?
00:28:27Completely.
00:28:29For the.
00:28:30Next few days, I did nothing but rest.
00:28:33I read books, tended my garden, had lunch.
00:28:37With Patricia.
00:28:39I needed to recover my strength, both physical and emotional.
00:28:42The confrontation had shaken me more than I wanted to admit.
00:28:47But as I watered my roses, feeling the warm sun on my.
00:28:51Face, I felt something else growing inside me.
00:28:55Cold, absolute determination.
00:28:57Derek and Brittany had made their choice.
00:29:00Now they would live with the consequences.
00:29:03A week after our.
00:29:06Confrontation, Derek called.
00:29:08His voice was different, softer, almost childlike.
00:29:11The voice he used to use when he was young and wanted something.
00:29:16Mom, can we talk, please?
00:29:19I considered.
00:29:20Hanging up.
00:29:22Instead, I said, I'm listening.
00:29:25I've been thinking a lot.
00:29:27About everything, about what I did.
00:29:30He paused and I heard a genuine emotion in.
00:29:33His voice.
00:29:34Or was it just good acting?
00:29:37I was wrong, mom.
00:29:39I see that now.
00:29:40I let.
00:29:42Brittany get in my head.
00:29:44I let the stress of wedding planning make me crazy.
00:29:47But.
00:29:48You're my mother.
00:29:50I should never have.
00:29:52His voice broke.
00:29:54I'm so sorry, mom.
00:29:56Please, can we fix this?
00:29:59Part of me, the part that.
00:30:01Remembered rocking him as a baby, teaching him to ride a bike, cheering at his graduations,
00:30:07wanted to believe him.
00:30:09Wanted to forgive him immediately, to make everything right again.
00:30:13But I had.
00:30:14Learned my lesson about blind trust.
00:30:17What exactly are you proposing, Derek?
00:30:20I'll return the money.
00:30:22All of it.
00:30:24Brittany and I will take out a loan if we have to.
00:30:27And the house thing, I'll fix.
00:30:30It.
00:30:31I'll make sure the buyers don't sue.
00:30:33I'll handle everything.
00:30:35He was speaking.
00:30:37Quickly now urgently.
00:30:39Just please, please drop the police investigation.
00:30:43I.
00:30:44Can't have a criminal record, mom.
00:30:47It'll ruin my career, my whole life.
00:30:50You should have considered that before you.
00:30:53Committed fraud.
00:30:54I know.
00:30:56I know.
00:30:57And I'm sorry, but please give me a chance to.
00:31:01Make this right.
00:31:02Don't destroy my life over one mistake, one mistake.
00:31:06As if.
00:31:08Robbing your mother was equivalent to forgetting her birthday.
00:31:11How long will it take you to return the.
00:31:14Money?
00:31:15I asked.
00:31:17Maybe maybe six months, a year at most.
00:31:20We need time to get a loan.
00:31:22To Derek.
00:31:24You don't have six months.
00:31:26The investigation is already underway.
00:31:29His voice changed again, becoming desperate.
00:31:33Then what do you want?
00:31:34Just.
00:31:36Tell me what you want.
00:31:37What I wanted was my son back.
00:31:40The real Derek, the one who.
00:31:43Had existed before Brittany, before greed had poisoned him.
00:31:47But that person might.
00:31:49Never have existed at all.
00:31:52I want full restitution within 30 days, I said.
00:31:56Every dollar you took, plus interest.
00:31:59I want a written confession of what you did.
00:32:01I want you to face the consequences.
00:32:05Of your actions.
00:32:07That's impossible.
00:32:08We can't get that kind of money in 30 days.
00:32:12Then you.
00:32:13Should have thought of that before you stole it.
00:32:16God, you're heartless.
00:32:17The desperation turned to anger.
00:32:21I'm your.
00:32:22Son, your only child.
00:32:25How can you do this to me?
00:32:27How could you do what you.
00:32:29Did to me?
00:32:30I replied quietly.
00:32:32Goodbye, Derek.
00:32:33I hung up and turned off my.
00:32:37Phone.
00:32:38That afternoon, Brittany came alone.
00:32:41I watched from my window as she.
00:32:44Got out of her car, dressed impeccably in a cream-colored suit.
00:32:48She rang the.
00:32:50Doorbell three times before I answered.
00:32:53Margaret, we need to talk woman to.
00:32:56Woman.
00:32:57Her smile was strained, but trying to be warm.
00:33:01Can I come in?
00:33:02No.
00:33:03She blinked, surprised.
00:33:06I'm trying to make peace here.
00:33:08Make it from the porch.
00:33:10Her jaw tightened, but she maintained her composure.
00:33:14Look, I know you think.
00:33:16I'm some gold digger who manipulated your son, but I love Derek.
00:33:21I really do.
00:33:23And I'm trying to save him from this disaster by convincing me to drop the.
00:33:27Charges, by making you see reason.
00:33:30Her mask slipped slightly.
00:33:33Do you understand?
00:33:35What criminal charges will do to him, to his career, to our future?
00:33:39Yes, I said.
00:33:41That's exactly why they need to be filed.
00:33:44Brittany stared at me, then.
00:33:47Laughed.
00:33:47A cold, bitter sound.
00:33:50You know what?
00:33:52Derek was right about you.
00:33:54You're.
00:33:55A selfish old woman who can't stand to see her son happy.
00:33:59You're so bitter and alone that you want.
00:34:02To drag him down with you.
00:34:05Are you finished?
00:34:05You'll regret this, she.
00:34:09Hissed.
00:34:10When Derek is in prison, when your relationship is destroyed forever.
00:34:14You'll realize you chose money over your own son.
00:34:17You'll die alone, and it'll be.
00:34:20Your own fault.
00:34:22Goodbye, Brittany.
00:34:23I closed the door on her enraged face.
00:34:27That evening, Patricia came over with her husband, Michael, and two other couples from our book club, the.
00:34:34Johnsons and the Reeves.
00:34:36They brought food, wine, and something more valuable.
00:34:40Solidarity.
00:34:42We heard what's happening, Patricia said, giving me a long hug.
00:34:46We.
00:34:47Wanted you to know you're not alone.
00:34:50We sat in my living room and I told them.
00:34:53Everything.
00:34:54Not just the facts, but the pain, the betrayal, the guilt of.
00:34:59Prosecuting my own son.
00:35:01They listened without judgment.
00:35:04You're.
00:35:05Doing the right thing, Michael said firmly.
00:35:08What Derek did was criminal.
00:35:11If.
00:35:12You let him get away with it, you're telling him he can betray anyone without consequences.
00:35:17Carol Johnson nodded.
00:35:19My brother stole from our mother.
00:35:22She forgave him.
00:35:23Didn't.
00:35:25Press charges.
00:35:27He did it again five years later.
00:35:29Some people only learn through.
00:35:32Consequences.
00:35:33Their support wrapped around me like a warm blanket.
00:35:37I wasn't crazy.
00:35:38I wasn't heartless.
00:35:41I was a woman protecting herself from.
00:35:44Someone who had proven he couldn't be trusted, even if that someone was my son.
00:35:49As they left that night, Patricia squeezed my hand.
00:35:53Stay strong, Maggie.
00:35:55You're doing the hard thing, but it's the right thing.
00:35:58I went to bed that night feeling something I hadn't felt in.
00:36:01Weeks.
00:36:03Peace.
00:36:05Cold, hard peace.
00:36:07Derek and Brittany had tried manipulation, threats, and guilt.
00:36:11None of it worked because I had something.
00:36:14They didn't understand.
00:36:16Principles, self-respect, and friends who reminded.
00:36:21Me of my worth.
00:36:22The next morning, I called Martin Green.
00:36:25No deals, no compromises.
00:36:28We proceed with full.
00:36:31Prosecution.
00:36:32Understood, he said.
00:36:34Margaret, for what?
00:36:37It's worth, I think you're incredibly brave.
00:36:40Brave or broken.
00:36:42I wasn't sure.
00:36:44Which, but I knew I wouldn't back down.
00:36:47They came together this time on a Sunday.
00:36:50Morning when the neighborhood was quiet.
00:36:51I saw them through my window.
00:36:55Derek and.
00:36:56Brittany walking up my driveway with careful measured steps.
00:37:00Derek carried.
00:37:02Flowers.
00:37:03Brittany had a bakery box.
00:37:06Peace offerings.
00:37:07I almost didn't answer.
00:37:10The door, but curiosity won.
00:37:12What new strategy had they devised?
00:37:15Mom.
00:37:17Derek's voice was gentle, his eyes red-med as if he'd been crying.
00:37:21Please.
00:37:22Just give us five minutes.
00:37:25That's all we're asking.
00:37:27Against my better judgment, I let them.
00:37:30In.
00:37:31We sat in my living room, them on the couch, me in my armchair, keeping.
00:37:37Distance between us.
00:37:39Derek set the flowers on the coffee table.
00:37:42Daisies.
00:37:43My favorite.
00:37:45Of course, he remembered.
00:37:47Mom, we were wrong.
00:37:49Derek began about.
00:37:51Everything.
00:37:53The way we talked to you, the things we said.
00:37:56It was unforgivable.
00:37:58He leaned forward, his expression earnest.
00:38:02These past two weeks, I haven't been.
00:38:05Sleeping.
00:38:06I keep thinking about what I did, about how I hurt you.
00:38:10You're my.
00:38:12Mother.
00:38:13You raised me alone.
00:38:15Gave me everything.
00:38:16And I repaid you with.
00:38:19Betrayal.
00:38:20It was exactly what I had wanted to hear.
00:38:23So why did it feel like a performance?
00:38:26Brittany spoke next, her.
00:38:29Voice subdued.
00:38:30Margaret, I owe you an apology, too.
00:38:34I.
00:38:35Was terrible to you.
00:38:37I said cruel things.
00:38:39The truth is, I was scared.
00:38:42She.
00:38:43Looked down at her hands.
00:38:45My own parents are poor.
00:38:48I grew up with nothing.
00:38:50When I.
00:38:51Met Derek, I saw a chance at a better life, and I pushed too hard.
00:38:56I pushed.
00:38:58Him to do things he shouldn't have done.
00:39:00Things you convinced him to do?
00:39:02I asked quietly.
00:39:05Yes, she admitted, meeting my.
00:39:07Eyes.
00:39:09It was my idea.
00:39:11The money, the house.
00:39:13Derek didn't want to do it.
00:39:15I.
00:39:16Persuaded him.
00:39:18Told him you wouldn't miss it.
00:39:20That you'd want him to be happy.
00:39:23Her voice cracked.
00:39:25I was wrong.
00:39:26I'm so, so sorry.
00:39:29Derek reached for my hand.
00:39:31I didn't pull away.
00:39:33Mom, we want.
00:39:35To make this right.
00:39:36We're willing to do whatever it takes.
00:39:39We've already taken out a second mortgage on the condo we.
00:39:43Bought.
00:39:44We can give you $100,000 within two weeks.
00:39:48The rest, it'll take time, but.
00:39:51We'll pay every penny back.
00:39:53With interest, Brittany added quickly.
00:39:56Whatever you think is fair.
00:39:59And the.
00:40:00Criminal charges?
00:40:02I asked.
00:40:03Derek's face fell.
00:40:05That's the thing, mom.
00:40:07If I have a.
00:40:09Criminal record, I'll lose my job.
00:40:12I work in finance.
00:40:14They'll fire me immediately.
00:40:17And then how can I pay you.
00:40:19Back.
00:40:20How can I support a family?
00:40:22He squeezed my hand.
00:40:24I'm not asking you to.
00:40:26Forgive me.
00:40:27I don't deserve that.
00:40:30But I'm begging you to give me a chance to.
00:40:33Fix this without destroying my entire future.
00:40:36Please, Margaret.
00:40:38Brittany said.
00:40:40We want to have children.
00:40:42Derek wants to give you grandchildren, but he can't do that from prison.
00:40:46Grandchildren?
00:40:47The word hit me like a physical blow.
00:40:51I had dreamed of being a grandmother, of.
00:40:54Holding Derek's babies, of passing on our family history.
00:40:58They knew exactly.
00:41:00Where to strike.
00:41:02Think about it, Derek pressed.
00:41:05Do you really want your grandchildren to visit their father in.
00:41:08Prison?
00:41:09Prison?
00:41:09Do you want them to grow up knowing their grandmother put their father behind bars?
00:41:13I studied them both.
00:41:16The performance was good.
00:41:18Derek's tears seemed genuine.
00:41:21Brittany's remorse looked real.
00:41:23They had.
00:41:25Clearly rehearsed this carefully, but I noticed small things.
00:41:29The way Brittany's.
00:41:31Eyes kept flicking to her watch.
00:41:33The way Derek's grip on my hand tightened when I didn't immediately respond.
00:41:38The.
00:41:39Tension in their shoulders coiled like springs.
00:41:41What happens if I say no?
00:41:45I.
00:41:46Asked softly.
00:41:47The change was instant.
00:41:50Derek's expression hardened.
00:41:52Brittany.
00:41:54Sat back, arms crossed.
00:41:56Then you're choosing to destroy your son, Derek said.
00:42:00Flatly.
00:42:01And for what?
00:42:03Money you don't even need.
00:42:05You have your precious house.
00:42:07Your comfortable life.
00:42:09You're taking away mine out of spite.
00:42:12It's not spite.
00:42:14It's justice.
00:42:15Justice?
00:42:17Brittany laughed harshly.
00:42:19You want to talk about justice?
00:42:21What about fairness?
00:42:24Derek is your only child.
00:42:26Everything you have will go to.
00:42:28Him when you die anyway.
00:42:30We just needed it earlier, that's all.
00:42:33So, you're.
00:42:35Saying I should have died sooner?
00:42:38Made things more convenient for you?
00:42:40Don't twist my words, Brittany snapped.
00:42:43I'm.
00:42:44Saying you're a vindictive old who can't stand seeing her son happy with someone who isn't you.
00:42:50Derek didn't.
00:42:51Defend me.
00:42:53He just watched, waiting to see if this approach would work where kindness had failed.
00:42:58I stood up slowly.
00:43:00Get out, mom.
00:43:02Get out.
00:43:03My voice shook with rage.
00:43:06You come into my home with.
00:43:08Your fake tears and your manipulations, trying to guilt me into letting you rob me without
00:43:13consequences.
00:43:15You think I.
00:43:16Don't see what you're doing?
00:43:18Derek stood, his face flushing with anger.
00:43:22You're going to regret this.
00:43:24When I'm sitting in a prison cell, when Brittany leaves me because I can't provide for.
00:43:28Her, when you're alone on every holiday for the rest of your life, remember that.
00:43:34You chose this.
00:43:36I didn't choose this, I said coldly.
00:43:39You did the day you decided.
00:43:41To steal from your mother.
00:43:43Brittany grabbed Derek's arm.
00:43:46Let's go.
00:43:47She's.
00:43:48Not worth it.
00:43:50Let her rot alone in this house with her precious money.
00:43:53They stormed out, slamming the door behind.
00:43:57Them.
00:43:58I stood in my living room trembling, not from fear, from fury.
00:44:03They had tried everything.
00:44:05Apologies, manipulation, guilt, threats.
00:44:09They had.
00:44:11Offered me grandchildren like a bargaining chip, as if I would sacrifice my self-respect for
00:44:15hypothetical babies.
00:44:17But beneath the anger, I felt something else, a small, cold thread of fear.
00:44:23What?
00:44:24If Derek was right?
00:44:26What if I was destroying him?
00:44:28What if years from now I would regret this choice?
00:44:31No.
00:44:33I pushed.
00:44:34The thoughts away.
00:44:36I had seen behind their masks today.
00:44:39I had seen the.
00:44:41Calculation, the manipulation, the complete lack of genuine remorse.
00:44:45They.
00:44:46They.
00:44:47Weren't sorry they had hurt me.
00:44:49They were sorry they had been caught.
00:44:52I picked up the daisies Durerik had.
00:44:55Brought and threw them in the trash.
00:44:57Then I called Martin Green.
00:44:59They just tried to manipulate me into dropping the.
00:45:03Charges.
00:45:04I told him they offered partial restitution in exchange for no prosecution.
00:45:09What did you tell them?
00:45:11I told them to get out of my house.
00:45:13There was a pause, then Martin's warm chuckle.
00:45:17Good for.
00:45:18You, Margaret.
00:45:20That took real strength.
00:45:22Strength.
00:45:24Was that what this was?
00:45:26Or was.
00:45:27It's stubbornness, pride, vengeance?
00:45:29I didn't know anymore, but I knew I.
00:45:33Couldn't back down now.
00:45:35Not when they had shown me so clearly who they really were.
00:45:39That night, I lay awake, Derek's.
00:45:42Words echoing in my mind.
00:45:44You're going to regret this.
00:45:47Maybe I.
00:45:48Would, but I would regret betraying myself even more.
00:45:52The court date arrived six weeks later.
00:45:55Martin had prepared me.
00:45:57For everything.
00:45:59The process, the questions, the likelihood of Derek accepting a plea deal.
00:46:04But Derek.
00:46:06Stubborn and delusional, had refused.
00:46:09He insisted on fighting the charges.
00:46:12Convinced that a jury would side with a son over his vindictive mother.
00:46:16I wore a.
00:46:18Simple gray suit and minimal makeup.
00:46:21Martin had advised me to look sympathetic, but strong.
00:46:25You're not a.
00:46:26Victim, he said.
00:46:28You're a survivor.
00:46:30The courthouse was cold, fluorescent.
00:46:33Lights reflecting off polished floors.
00:46:35I sat behind the prosecution table, my.
00:46:39Hands folded calmly in my lap.
00:46:42Derek sat across the aisle with Brittany and his.
00:46:46Lawyer, a sharp-suited man named Richard Chin, who specialized in white collar.
00:46:51Defense.
00:46:53When Derek's eyes met mine, I saw something I hadn't expected.
00:46:57Genuine fear.
00:46:59Good.
00:47:00He was beginning to understand that this was real.
00:47:03The.
00:47:03Prosecutor, a stern woman named Andrea Walsh, had built an overwhelming case.
00:47:10Bank records showing the unauthorized transfers, testimony from the title company about the forged power of.
00:47:16Attorney, expert analysis of the fraudulent notarization.
00:47:20The Henderson's testimony about the illegal property sale.
00:47:24Derek's defense strategy became clearly.
00:47:28Paint me as.
00:47:29Confused and vindictive.
00:47:31Claim he had acted with my permission and suggest that I was now simply having regrets.
00:47:37About helping my son.
00:47:39Chun stood for his opening statement.
00:47:42Ladies and gentlemen, this is a case.
00:47:45About family misunderstanding and buyer's remorse.
00:47:49Margaret Thornton gave.
00:47:51Her son Derek access to her accounts and authorized him to handle her property affairs.
00:47:56Why?
00:47:56Because she's sixty-two years.
00:48:00Old, living alone, and needed help managing her finances.
00:48:05Derek didn't.
00:48:06Steal from his mother, he acted with her blessing.
00:48:10But now, influenced by outside.
00:48:13Parties and suffering from what will demonstrate his age-related confusion.
00:48:17Mrs. Thornton has rewritten history to.
00:48:20Portray herself as a victim.
00:48:22I felt rage simmer in my chest, but kept my expression neutral.
00:48:27The trial proceeded.
00:48:30Methodically.
00:48:31Andrea called witness after witness, building her case brick by brick.
00:48:36The bank representative.
00:48:38Testified that I had called immediately upon discovering the missing funds, distraught and confused.
00:48:43The title company representative explained the fraudulent documents.
00:48:49The handwriting expert showed how my.
00:48:52Signature on the power of attorney papers didn't match my normal signature.
00:48:56It was shaky, uncertain, consistent with.
00:49:00Someone signing under duress or while seriously ill.
00:49:03Then came my testimony.
00:49:05I.
00:49:07Took the stand, placed my hand on the Bible, and swore to tell the truth.
00:49:11Andrea guided me through my story gently but firmly.
00:49:15I explained my relationship.
00:49:18With Derek, my pride in raising him alone, my devastation at discovering his.
00:49:23Betrayal.
00:49:25Mrs. Thornton, Andrea asked.
00:49:27Did you give Derek permission to withdraw $127,000?
00:49:32From your savings account?
00:49:35No, I said clearly.
00:49:37Never.
00:49:38Did you give him.
00:49:39Permission to sell your rental property?
00:49:43No, that property generates income that supplements my retirement.
00:49:47I.
00:49:48Would never authorize its sale.
00:49:51Did you sign power of attorney papers giving Derek control over your finances?
00:49:56Not knowingly.
00:49:58I was hospitalized with severe pneumonia.
00:50:01My fever reached 104 degrees.
00:50:04Derek brought papers to my hospital bed, told me they were insurance forms.
00:50:08I was.
00:50:10Barely conscious.
00:50:12I don't remember signing anything.
00:50:15Chen cross-examined me.
00:50:17Aggressively, trying to paint me as vengeful and confused, but I had prepared for this.
00:50:23I remained calm.
00:50:25Answered every question directly, and never lost my composure.
00:50:29Isn't it true?
00:50:30Mrs. Thornton, that you resent Derek's marriage to Brittany?
00:50:35No, I resent Derek.
00:50:37Stealing my life's savings.
00:50:40You've had arguments about his relationship, haven't you?
00:50:43We've had discussions, but.
00:50:46This isn't about his choice of wife.
00:50:49This is about theft and fraud.
00:50:51You're a lonely woman, aren't you?
00:50:54Living alone, no close family besides Derek.
00:50:58I'm content with my life, Mr.
00:51:01Chen.
00:51:02Being independent doesn't make me vindictive.
00:51:05Chen tried several more angles, but nothing stuck.
00:51:09I had truth.
00:51:11On my side.
00:51:12Then Derek took the stand.
00:51:15Chen walked him through his version of events.
00:51:18How worried he'd been about me.
00:51:20How I'd asked him to help with finances, how I'd been so happy to help with his wedding.
00:51:26Derek's performance was polished, sympathetic.
00:51:29Then Andrea stood for cross-examination and everything fell.
00:51:34Apart.
00:51:35Mr. Thornton, you testified that your mother asked you to help manage her finances.
00:51:40When exactly did she make this.
00:51:43Request?
00:51:44Derek hesitated.
00:51:45It was ongoing.
00:51:48Over several months.
00:51:50Can you provide any documentation of this arrangement?
00:51:54Emails, texts, letters?
00:51:56It was verbal.
00:51:58I.
00:51:59See.
00:52:00And the power of attorney papers.
00:52:03You said she signed them willingly in the hospital.
00:52:06Yes.
00:52:08But the notary whose.
00:52:10Seal appears on those documents was in California that day.
00:52:13The hospital is in.
00:52:16Oh hey oh.
00:52:17How did that notary witness your mother's signature?
00:52:20Derek's face palled.
00:52:22I.
00:52:23I don't know.
00:52:25Maybe there's a mistake in the records.
00:52:28A mistake?
00:52:29Andrea's voice.
00:52:31Was sharp.
00:52:32Or did you forge the notarization after obtaining your mother's signature under false.
00:52:38Pretenses?
00:52:38I didn't forge anything.
00:52:42Mr. Thornton, let's talk about the property sale.
00:52:45Did.
00:52:46You inform the buyers that the house had tenants with an active lease?
00:52:50I.
00:52:51I.
00:52:52Thought they'd been notified.
00:52:54By whom.
00:52:55The real estate agent should have should.
00:52:58Have.
00:52:59You were representing yourself as the property owner with full authority to sell.
00:53:04Didn't you have a.
00:53:05Responsibility to disclose all material facts?
00:53:10Derek was stammering now.
00:53:12Contradicting himself, his polished story crumbling under direct questioning.
00:53:17In the gallery, I saw.
00:53:20Brittany's face go white.
00:53:22Andrea pressed harder.
00:53:24The truth is, Mr. Thornton, you.
00:53:27Knew exactly what you were doing.
00:53:29You forged documents, sold property you didn't own, stole your mother's savings.
00:53:35And you did it all for one reason, to fund your wedding and your new life.
00:53:39Isn't that true?
00:53:41No, I was helping my mother.
00:53:44She wanted she wanted to be.
00:53:46Robbed.
00:53:47She wanted to be homeless.
00:53:50Objection, Chen was on his feet.
00:53:53Argumentative.
00:53:55Sustained, the judge said, but the damage was done.
00:53:58The jury had seen Derek.
00:54:01Panic, seen him contradict himself, seen him exposed as a liar.
00:54:06When closing.
00:54:07Arguments ended, I felt a strange calm.
00:54:11It was over.
00:54:12Not the trial itself.
00:54:15The.
00:54:15Jury would deliberate, but my part in this nightmare.
00:54:19I had told the truth.
00:54:21Provided evidence, and refused to be manipulated.
00:54:25Whatever happened next was.
00:54:28Out of my hands.
00:54:29We stood as the jury filed out to deliberate.
00:54:33Derek turned to.
00:54:35Look at me one last time.
00:54:37His eyes were hollow, defeated.
00:54:39I held his gaze.
00:54:42Steadily.
00:54:43This was the son I had raised, and this was the reckoning he had earned.
00:54:47The jury deliberated for three.
00:54:50Hours.
00:54:51When they returned, their faces were solemn but certain.
00:54:55On the count of grand theft, how do you find the.
00:54:59Defendant?
00:55:00Guilty.
00:55:00On the count of fraud, how do you find the defendant?
00:55:05Guilty.
00:55:06On the count of forgery, how do you find the defendant?
00:55:10Guilty.
00:55:11Derek's face crumbled.
00:55:13Brittany let.
00:55:15Out a choked sob.
00:55:16I sat perfectly still, feeling the weight of that single word.
00:55:21Echo through the courtroom.
00:55:23Guilty.
00:55:24Guilty.
00:55:26Guilty.
00:55:27The judge scheduled.
00:55:29Sentencing for two weeks later.
00:55:32Derek was released on bail, but the reality had.
00:55:35Set in.
00:55:37He would go to prison.
00:55:39His life, as he knew it, was over.
00:55:42Outside the.
00:55:44Courthouse, reporters waited.
00:55:46Martin had warned me they would be there.
00:55:49The case had attracted local.
00:55:51Media attention.
00:55:53Elderly mother prosecutes son for theft.
00:55:56Made for compelling headlines.
00:55:59Mrs.
00:56:00Thornon, how do you feel about the verdict?
00:56:03A reporter called out.
00:56:05I stopped, considered, then spoke clearly.
00:56:09I feel that justice has been served.
00:56:12What my son did was criminal.
00:56:14He.
00:56:16Betrayed the person who loved him most and he must face the consequences of that choice.
00:56:21Do you have any message for?
00:56:23Other families dealing with financial elder abuse?
00:56:27Yes.
00:56:28You are not obligated to protect.
00:56:31People who harm you, even if they're family, especially if they're family.
00:56:35Love without boundaries is not love, it's enabling.
00:56:39Martin guided me to his car and we drove.
00:56:42Away from the chaos.
00:56:43The sentencing hearing was brutal to witness.
00:56:47The judge, a silver-haired woman named.
00:56:50Margaret Hendriss, listened to impact statements from both sides.
00:56:55The Hendersons described the stress and fear.
00:56:58Of nearly losing their home.
00:57:01The buyers of the property described the financial nightmare Derek had created.
00:57:05I described.
00:57:06The betrayal, the violation of trust, the emotional devastation.
00:57:12Then Derek's.
00:57:14Attorney presented his plea for leniency.
00:57:17Derek himself stood, his voice.
00:57:20Shaking, and apologized.
00:57:22This time, his tears seemed real.
00:57:26Your.
00:57:27Honor, I know I can never undo what I did.
00:57:30I betrayed my mother, the woman who.
00:57:33Sacrificed everything for me.
00:57:36I let greed and poor judgment destroy our.
00:57:39Relationship.
00:57:40I understand I must face punishment.
00:57:43I only ask for mercy, for a chance to.
00:57:47Eventually rebuild my life and somehow someday make amends.
00:57:51Judge Rize looked.
00:57:53At him for a long moment, her expression unreadable.
00:57:57Mr. Thornton, you didn't make a mistake.
00:58:00You made a series of.
00:58:03Calculated choices.
00:58:05You forged documents.
00:58:07You exploited your mother's illness.
00:58:10You committed fraud against.
00:58:12Multiple parties.
00:58:14These weren't crimes of passion or desperation.
00:58:17They were.
00:58:19Crimes of entitlement and greed.
00:58:21She paused.
00:58:23You showed no remorse until you.
00:58:25Were caught.
00:58:26You threatened your mother when she sought justice.
00:58:30You deserve no.
00:58:32Leniency.
00:58:33She sentenced him to seven years in prison with the possibility of parole after.
00:58:39Four.
00:58:40Additionally, full restitution to me and the property buyers plus court.
00:58:45Costs and penalties.
00:58:47The total came to over $200,000.
00:58:51Dererick collapsed into his chair.
00:58:54Sobbing.
00:58:55Brittany sat frozen, her face a mask of horror.
00:58:59As the bay fled.
00:59:01Dererick away in handcuffs, he looked at me one last time.
00:59:05I met his eyes, but.
00:59:07Said nothing.
00:59:09There was nothing left to say.
00:59:11After the sentencing, Martin and I.
00:59:14Met in his office to discuss the restitution order.
00:59:18The court has frozen Dererick and Brittany's assets, he.
00:59:22Explained.
00:59:23The condo they bought will be sold.
00:59:26Their bank accounts will be seized.
00:59:28They'll be paying you back for.
00:59:31Years, possibly decades.
00:59:34What about Brittany?
00:59:35I asked.
00:59:37She wasn't charged.
00:59:39Criminally since Dererick took the lead role, but she's liable for the restitution as his spouse.
00:59:45Her wages can.
00:59:47Be garnished, her assets seized.
00:59:50She'll be paying for his crimes alongside him.
00:59:52I thought about the woman who had called me a vindictive old who had tried to manipulate me with promises of.
00:59:59Grandchildren.
01:00:01Justice, it seemed, had its own plans for her.
01:00:04Over the following weeks, the consequences.
01:00:08Cascaded.
01:00:09Dererick lost his job in finance.
01:00:12No firm would employ a convicted felon.
01:00:15Brittany's social media, once full of wedding photos and inspirational quotes, went dark.
01:00:21Friends and colleagues.
01:00:23Distanced themselves.
01:00:25Their condo was sold at a loss in a foreclosure sale.
01:00:29I.
01:00:30Received the first restitution payment, $15,000 from the condo sale.
01:00:36It would.
01:00:37Take years to recover the full amount, but the system was working.
01:00:42The Hendersons sent me a card.
01:00:44Thank you for.
01:00:45Having the courage to stand up for what's right.
01:00:49You saved our home and taught our children an important lesson.
01:00:53About justice.
01:00:55Patricia threw a small dinner party to celebrate the trial's conclusion.
01:00:59Our book club friends.
01:01:01Toasted my strength, my resilience, my refusal to be victimized.
01:01:06You did.
01:01:08Something remarkable, Maggie, Michael said.
01:01:11Most people would have backed down, but you stood firm.
01:01:15I had no.
01:01:16Choice, I replied.
01:01:19He gave me no choice.
01:01:21But even as I celebrated this victory, I.
01:01:24Felt the hollowest of it.
01:01:26I had won in court, but I had lost my son.
01:01:30The little.
01:01:31Boy I had raised no longer existed, replaced by this stranger who valued money over everything.
01:01:38Still, I had my.
01:01:40Self-respect.
01:01:41I had my home, my friends, my future secured.
01:01:45And I had sent a.
01:01:48Message that would echo far beyond this courtroom.
01:01:51Mothers deserve respect.
01:01:53Elderly people deserve protection.
01:01:56And crimes against family are still crimes.
01:01:59Derek would have seven years in prison to think about what he'd lost.
01:02:03I hoped.
01:02:04Somewhere in that time he would find genuine remorse.
01:02:08Not the performative.
01:02:11Kind he'd shown in court, but real understanding of what he'd done.
01:02:15But whether he found it or not, I had found.
01:02:18Something more valuable.
01:02:21Myself, my strength, my worth.
01:02:24And no one could.
01:02:25Steal that from me.
01:02:27Six months after Derek's sentencing, my life blossomed unexpectedly.
01:02:32I started a consulting.
01:02:35Business helping elderly people protect themselves from financial abuse.
01:02:39Patricia joined me and we hosted.
01:02:42Workshops at community centers.
01:02:45Every person I helped felt like redemption.
01:02:48My.
01:02:49Pain had purpose.
01:02:50I traveled to Ireland and Canada, reconnected with old friends, and on my 63rd birthday.
01:02:58Patricia threw a surprise party.
01:03:00Looking at the warm faces surrounding me, I.
01:03:04Realized Derek had been wrong.
01:03:06I wasn't alone.
01:03:08I had community, purpose, and.
01:03:11Genuine happiness.
01:03:14Meanwhile, Derek's world collapsed.
01:03:17Prison was brutal.
01:03:19He.
01:03:19Was attacked twice, developed depression, and struggled with anxiety.
01:03:25Brittany divorced him after eight months, claiming she was his victim, too.
01:03:30She.
01:03:31Moved back with her parents, working two retail jobs to pay restitution.
01:03:36Her social media disappeared.
01:03:39No one wanted to date the woman who robbed an elderly mother.
01:03:42Derek's finance career.
01:03:45Was destroyed.
01:03:46His employer sued him.
01:03:48His certifications were revoked.
01:03:51Friends.
01:03:53Abandoned him.
01:03:54His parole was denied.
01:03:57No job prospects, no support letters, no.
01:04:00Evidence of rehabilitation.
01:04:03He would serve the full seven years.
01:04:06I had chosen.
01:04:08Myself and paradoxically that choice led to the richest period of my life.
01:04:12Claude is AI and can make mistakes.
01:04:14Please double-check responses.
01:04:18Looking back now, I understand what happened.
01:04:21I had loved Derek so.
01:04:24Completely that I forgot to teach him to love me back.
01:04:27I had given without.
01:04:29Boundaries, sacrificed without limits, and in doing so, I had raised someone.
01:04:34Who believed he was entitled to take.
01:04:37The greatest lesson I learned, love.
01:04:40Without respect is worthless.
01:04:43Family without integrity is meaningless.
01:04:46And.
01:04:47Sometimes the most painful choice is also the right one.
01:04:50My son is in prison because he committed crimes.
01:04:55Not because.
01:04:57I'm vindictive, but because he chose greed over love.
01:05:00I didn't destroy his life.
01:05:03He did that himself.
01:05:05What would.
01:05:06You do if your child betrayed you this way?
01:05:09Would you have the strength to choose justice over guilt?
01:05:12Thank you for.
01:05:15Listening to my story.
01:05:17I hope it helps someone out there recognize the warning signs, set healthy boundaries, and.
01:05:23Remember that protecting yourself isn't selfish.
01:05:26It's survival.
01:05:27I hope it helps people.
01:05:27I hope it helps people.
01:05:27I hope it helps people.
01:05:27I hope it helps people.
01:05:27I hope it helps people.
01:05:28I hope it helps people.
01:05:28I hope it helps people.
01:05:28I hope it helps people.
01:05:28I hope it helps people.
01:05:29I hope it helps people.
01:05:29I hope it helps people.
01:05:29I hope it helps people.
01:05:30I hope it helps people.
01:05:30I hope it helps people.
01:05:31I hope it helps people.
01:05:32I hope it helps people.
01:05:33I hope it helps people.
01:05:34I hope it helps people.
01:05:35I hope it helps people.
01:05:36I hope it helps people.
01:05:37I hope it helps people.
01:05:38I hope it helps people.
01:05:39I hope it helps people.
01:05:40I hope it helps people.
01:05:41I hope it helps people.
01:05:42I hope it helps people.
01:05:43I hope it helps people.
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