The numbers appeared on the screen, highlighted in yellow.
November 15th, 2023, $8,400.
December 18th, 2023, $7,200.
January 22nd, 2024, $9,100.
March 5th, 2024, $6,800.
May 10th, 2024, $8,200.
July 3rd, 2024, $7,500.
August 19th, 2024, $6,700.
October 3rd, 2024, $8,500.
“These withdrawals were authorized. How?” Michael asked.
“Each one was made in person at a branch location. The withdrawal slips show Thomas’s signature and Amanda Peterson listed as the recipient.”
Michael pulled up another document. “And you kept a record of visitors to your home.”
“Yes. Thomas and I maintained a household log. It was a habit from my banking career—documenting who came to the house, when, and why.”
The visitor log appeared on screen.
November 12th, 2023. Amanda visited weekend.
December 16th, 2023. Amanda visited Sunday.
January 20th, 2024. Amanda visited Saturday.
March 2nd, 2024. Amanda visited weekend.
May 8th, 2024. Amanda visited.
July 1st, 2024. Amanda visited holiday weekend.
August 17th, 2024. Amanda visited.
October 1st, 2024. Amanda visited.
Michael placed the two documents side by side. “What pattern did you notice?”
“Every withdrawal happened within 3 days of Amanda’s visit.”
The courtroom was silent.
Connor stood. “Your honor, correlation isn’t causation.”
Judge Brooks raised a hand. “Mr. Hayes, that’s not coincidence. That’s a pattern.”
Michael continued. “Mrs. Henderson, did Thomas authorize these withdrawals?”
“Not knowingly. In his journal, which we’ll present shortly, he wrote that he didn’t remember approving them. He suspected they were happening, but by the time he realized the scope, he was too ashamed to confront Amanda directly.”
“So how did Amanda gain access to Thomas’s accounts?”
Michael pulled up another document. “Your honor, I’d like to present a power of attorney document dated October 3rd, 2024. It grants Amanda Peterson full authority over Thomas Henderson’s financial affairs.”
The document appeared on screen. Thomas’s signature at the bottom. A notary stamp in the corner.
“This document was notarized by Gerald Patterson,” Michael said. “Mrs. Henderson, did you investigate Mr. Patterson?”
“Yes. Gerald Patterson was a notary public in Travis County. His commission number is listed on the stamp.”
“Was Mr. Patterson retired in August 2019?”
“Yes. His notary commission expired at that time.”
“This document is dated October 3rd, 2024—5 years after his retirement.”
Murmurs rippled through the courtroom.
Connor shot to his feet. “Objection. We haven’t had time to verify—”
Michael cut him off. “Your honor, I have Mr. Patterson’s notary records from the Texas Secretary of State. Commission number 129847356 expired August 15th, 2019. I also have his death certificate. Mr. Patterson passed away in February 2023.”
The judge leaned forward. “Someone used a stamp from a deceased retired notary to forge a power of attorney.”
“Yes, your honor. This is felony forgery under Texas Penal Code section 32.21.”
Amanda’s face went white. Ryan stared straight ahead. Connor sat down slowly, all fight gone.
Judge Brooks removed her glasses. “Mr. Hayes, your client presented this power of attorney as evidence of Thomas Henderson’s wishes. You’re telling me it’s a forgery.”
Connor said nothing.
Michael continued. “Your honor, the notary records are clear. This document is fraudulent. Combined with the withdrawal pattern and Thomas’s own journal, which documents his confusion and fear, this establishes systematic financial exploitation.”
The judge turned to the court reporter. “Note, for the record, the district attorney’s office will be notified of potential felony forgery and elder financial exploitation.”
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