The room was dead silent now. You could hear people breathing. Jake wasn't done. Sander Miller, I noticed you approved several emergency roof repairs to the clubhouse, $50,000 last year alone. But the clubhouse roof was replaced in 2019 and has a 20-year warranty.
I called the roofing company. No repairs were ever done. Sandra was staring at the table. Tom Davidson, those legal fees you authorized. I called the law firm.
They haven't done work for this HOA in 2 years. The walls were closing in and you could see it on their faces. Jake saved the best for last. Jennifer Park, you're the only one who seems to be clean. But I'm guessing you knew something was wrong and just looked the other way, which makes you complicit.
Jennifer was crying. All told, I estimate that this board has embezzled approximately $400,000 from this HOA over the past four years. The room erupted. People were shouting, demanding answers. Some were on their phones.
Patricia grabbed her gavvel and started banging it. This meeting is over. You have no authority to make these accusations. You're right. Jake said, "I don't. " That's when Detective Rodriguez stood up and showed her badge.
But I do. Detective Maria Rodriguez, financial crimes division, she announced. And I have warrants for the arrest of Patricia Thornberry, Robert Chen, Sandra Miller, and Tom Davidson for embezzlement, fraud, and misappropriation of funds. You could have heard a pin drop. Officer Chen Jake's friend was already moving toward the table with handcuffs.
Patricia's face went from red to white. You can't. This is a private meeting. It's a public meeting of a registered HOA board, Detective Rodriguez said. And you've been conducting criminal activity.
Patricia Thornberry, you have the right to remain silent. Dot dot dot double quotes. She started reading Miranda writes while Officer Chen cuffed Patricia. The look on Patricia's face was absolute shock. Like she couldn't comprehend that consequences existed for her actions.
Robert Chen tried to run, literally stood up and headed for the door. Jake blocked him. Don't, Jake said quietly. Make this easy on yourself. Robert sat back down and held out his wrists.
Sander Miller was sobbing. I didn't want to do it. Patricia said everyone did it. That it was just how things worked. "Save it for your lawyer," Detective Rodriguez said, cuffing her.
Tom Davidson was already calling someone on his phone. His lawyer probably the entire room was in chaos. People were crying, shouting, recording everything on their phones. Someone's kid was asking why the police were there. As they led the four board members out in handcuffs, Patricia turned and looked directly at me.