Like clockwork, when the kids didn't need to be at school, Ken Thomas awoke at 8:15, peed, dressed and went outside for his Sunday newspaper. He came in and poured a large cup of morning coffee that was made using one of those fancy timer coffee machines. A full cup of coffee in one hand and the newspaper in the other, Mr. Ken walked over to his favorite chair in the Kitchen Nook and sat down.
The man placed the cup of coffee on the table, slipped the paper out of its protective plastic sleeve and spread it open on the table before him. The comics and sales papers were resting on the top of what he was truly interested in, the national and local news, so he separated them from the main Sunday newspaper and made two piles.
Mr. Ken took a good sip of his coffee and looked at the front page of the newspaper. He saw the national headlines above the fold and they didn't interest him, so he turned the paper to see what was below the fold. Not seeing anything he was interested in he turned the paper over to open it to page 2 when a minor headline caught his eye. There above the paper's name was where the editor placed some teaser headlines in order to get the reader to turn to the respective page.
Ken Thomas read the minor headline twice, before he turned to the first page of the Local News.
LOCAL WOMAN CHARGED
WITH EMBEZZLEMENT
See Page 1- Local News Section
Mr. Ken quickly pulled out Local News Section to look at the front page in order to read who the woman was and what the reporter had to say
$100,000 Embezzled
Local Woman Charged
Late Saturday afternoon, DA George Morris announced that his office, in conjunction with County Sheriff Matthew Barnes, and his deputies, arrested a woman, Mildred Johnston, and charged her with embezzlement along with mail and wire fraud.
The District Attorney told this reporter, and others, that after an extensive investigation and a certified accounting by a Certified Public Accountant that monies in excess of $100,000 had been found to have been embezzled from Mr. Ken Thomas, the owner of Three Finger Cove, who previously employed one Mildred Johnston.
District Attorney Morris also told this reporter that in addition to the large amount of money involved there was a considerable amount of fraud found that resulted in services charged and not delivered or performed at the Estate. DA Morris also indicated that those people and companies involved in accepting money and not delivering promised services could also be charged with collusion in the Fraud and other crimes.
The district attorney's office said this investigation had been ongoing since the beginning of July and his office took the proper action only now that it had the certified accounting from the C.P.A. DA Morris assured the public that it was not in any danger from the embezzlement or fraud as it was centered at only one property.
It was revealed that Mildred Johnston, 84, a former employee at Three Finger Cove, accomplished her embezzlement and fraud over an almost a two year period while she was employed at Three Finger Cove. It was said that Mr. Ken Thomas had his new Estate Manager, Chris Dominions, who had been hired this past July, to check the books after Ms. Johnston had left his employ six months previously. It was also learned by this reporter that Mildred Johnston had also been arrested back in late January for attacking a young boy who was being fostered by Mr. Ken Thomas at the time.
The arrest record said that Mildred Johnston did attack the lad with a very large cooking spoon and not only drew blood but left welts and bruises that could be seen for over a week. Mildred Johnston went before the now disgraced Judge Randolph Terryman and was given Deferred Adjudication, otherwise known as Probation Before Judgement. That finding by Judge Terryman meant that if Mildred Johnston kept herself out of trouble, the charges could be eventually dismissed and expunged from her record. These new charges would no doubt negate any expungement of her previous charges
It was said that this latest arrest would more than likely negate any probation she was given and could result in her receiving more jail time if she is convicted of the embezzlement and fraud with which she is currently being charged. District Attorney Morris indicated that they were also looking into whether or not Mildred Johnston committed Mail and Wire Fraud. DA Morris said if Mildred Johnston had used the mails to move any of the embezzled monies she could be charged with the crime of Mail Fraud. The DA also said that if she used the telephone or internet to falsely contract for services for Three Finger Cove she could be additionally be charged with Wire Fraud.
DA Morris said it appeared, by reading the CPA's accounting, that the fraud for which she was also charged, centered on her contracting for services and paying for said services that were not rendered at the Three Finger Cove estate. It would appear that Mildred Johnston is in store for a long process where she will be formally charged and then go to trial. A bail hearing will not be held until 9 AM Monday morning.
If Mildred Johnston is convicted under Texas embezzlement laws, or theft laws, it provides for a number of different penalties upon conviction. The factor that determines the severity of the punishment is the amount or value of the goods, services or cash stolen. If Mildred Johnston is convicted of embezzlement under Texas State law it states that for the amount of money she is accused of taking she could get 2 to 20 years in state prison. If convicted Mildred Johnston could wind up in jail for a very long time.
Also, with DA Morris looking at possible Mail and Wire Fraud, a Federal conviction could bring Mildred Johnston an additional 10 to 20 years or more in prison and a fine of over $10,000.
Since this was a late afternoon news conference, Mr. Ken Thomas and Mr. Chris Dominions were not available for comment. This reporter will try to contact both men and report any comments they choose to make and any other further developments in this continuing story.
Mr. Ken sat back after reading the news report of Mildred's arrest and the possible charges she could be encombered with. He didn't realize how hard he would take it now that the cards have been dealt and the hand was now in play. As he sat there thinking of everything they found that Mildred had done to The Cove, the phone rang.
When Mr. Ken picked it up he found that Bill Jackson was on the other end.
"Bill, yeah, I just finished reading the article," responded Ken.
"Yes, I think the article was very thorough. Is there anything I need to know that Morris didn't tell the reporters?" asked Ken of his lawyer.
"Oh, Morris hadn't revealed it was our CPA who found the discrepancies. Hmmm … so he is going to have his people check what our people did. That sounds like a typical government response, if I ever heard one," laughed Ken Thomas.
"No, I haven't had any reporters call me, yet. … … So, you don't want me to say much if anything. OK, I think I can do that. I'll just tell them that the investigation is still ongoing and I don't want to jinx it and that once the charges are finalized that I may have something to say. … …
"Oh, OK, Bill, I'll try to stay under the radar but you know these reporters are always trying to get me to say something about anything. I know they are still pissed at not being able to talk to the 'Heroes of the Lake'. And, on top of all that, when they learned about the Labor Day Picnic ceremony they were not happy about being left out," Mr. Ken told Bill Jackson.
Upstairs the lads were getting themselves up and ready for the day. Kevin was the last one up and to get ready. The older twin was still reeling from his nightmare and was very happy Kyle didn't wake up when he screamed out during the night.
When Robert entered the Kitchen Nook, he went directly over to his 'dad, told him good morning and then hugged him. Eric followed suit and smiled at the man after he let go of his hug. Charles also hugged his 'dad and told him a "good morning' as well.;
Kyle was next into the Kitchen Nook and when asked where Kevin was all Kyle could say was his twin was still in the shower when he came down. 'Dad Ken' smiled at the younger twin and held his arms open for him. Kyle jumped into the waiting arms and hugged Mr. Ken hard.
"'Dad Ken' … is Mr. Dan going to stop by today?" Kyle asked with hope in his voice.
"No, Kyle, Mr. Dan is working the day shift this time around. If he can, he'll stop by, but he'll be in uniform, so he won't be able to swim or even stay long," explained Mr. Ken.
"Oh, OK … I hope he does stop by. That way I can tell him about our visit with our parents yesterday," replied Kyle, who then went over to get some breakfast.
Kevin did appear about five minutes after Kyle had. The older twin went over to 'Dad Ken' and said Good Morning then hugged the man lightly and walked away looking for some breakfast.
While the boys were eating, Mr. Ken told Robert he had an article he wanted him to read after he was done eating. Robert asked if he could read it now, but 'dad Ken told him he didn't want breakfast tacos all over the paper as he wasn't finished reading it. The boys all laughed and Eric even tapped Robert on his shoulder to indicate he was a dufus.
After getting the boys' attention, Mr. Ken asked, "Boys, I suspect your friends will be over about twelve noon. Am I right?"
Kevin and Kyle looked to Robert to answer, but Robert said he could only answer for his friends. He told Charles and the twins they would have to speak for their friends. Charles quickly spoke up and said his friends would be over at noon.
Kyle looked at Kevin hoping he would answer for their friends they had over the previous weekend. But when Kevin stayed quiet, Kyle spoke up and told 'Dad Ken' that their friends from last weekend should be here at about the same time as Robert's and Charles' friends.
The boys finished eating and when Robert asked to see the article Mr. Ken told him about, his 'dad' asked him to follow him to the Study. Eric followed along and as he wasn't told he couldn't come along. When the three Covers got to the Study 'dad' Ken closed the Study door.
"'Dad' what is so secretive that you had to close the door?" asked Robert.
"Robert ... I want you to read this article without the other boys repeatedly asking you what it is all about. Now you two sit down and let me get the article out," directed 'dad' Ken.
Robert took the offered article and began reading. His eyes opened wide when he saw the headline and then he began reading. The teens had sat in the same leather chair and although it was a tight fit they were able to read the article at the same time.
It took the teenagers about two minutes to read and reread the article so they could make sense out of what it said. When they were finished reading it they gave the paper back to Mr. Ken.
"'Dad, what does all this mean?" was Robert's first question.
"'Son, only time will tell, but as you read … the reporters got the information right and have reported it essentially correct. As you saw, your name was not used, but rest assured your friends will probably figure out that you were the only foster kid I had at that time, and they'll probably ask you about it. Don't be too evasive with them. Just answer their questions, but well, don't offer more than you have to. Try to stick with what was in the article. Can you do that?" asked 'dad' Ken.
"Yeah, 'dad', I can do that. But 'Dad' … can I tell them more about how Mildred, you know, attacked me as long as they keep it to themselves?" Robert wanted to know.
"Yes, I guess that won't be a big problem. But if the questions get too intense or off base then come get me. I'll then fill in the blanks as much as I dare. Bill has already called me and asked me not to speak out too much with the reporters," explained Mr. Ken.
"Will the reporters ask me questions?" Robert asked his 'dad'.
"Robert ... if any adult asks you ANY questions about Mildred or her attack on you or anything that concerns Three Finger Cove, you refer them to ME, you hear me! People outside The Cove have no reason to talk to you about anything that goes on here. That goes for you too, Eric.
"Many people know you two are as thick as thieves and they might try to trick you into answering some questions. Boys, this is important. Please be yourselves, but if things get out of control, you come get me. Do either of you have any questions?" finished 'dad' Ken.
Robert and Eric shook their heads that they didn't have any questions. The two teens got out of their shared chair and when Mr. Ken came from behind his desk they hugged him. They thanked him for talking to them about Mildred and what might happen. The three Covers then opened the Study door only to find Charles, Kevin and Kyle waiting on the stairs.
"'Dad … what was so important that we couldn't listen in?" directly asked Charles.
"Well, you remember the trial Robert and I were involved in this week? Well, there is an article in the newspaper that concerns Ms. Johnston. I wanted to talk to Robert first, so he would understand what it was all about. Now … if you three want to read the article, here it is," said 'Dad Ken', as he then offered the newspaper page to the three younger Covers.
Charles took the article and began reading it. Kevin and Kyle got one step above him and read right along with him. Mr. Ken, Robert and Eric stayed there in the Foyer Entrance waiting for the three youngsters to finish reading, so they could answer their questions.
When Charles was finished reading, he looked at Robert. He then asked his older 'brother', "Did you know that Ms. Johnston embezzled all that money?"
"I only found out just before the trial, Charles. It was something Bill and Stewart were going to use against Mildred in order to win the lawsuit. Bill then intended to give it to the DA and let him do what he does. As you read, DA Morris did arrest Mildred and it looks like the companies she used to defraud our 'dad' with are also going to go to jail," was Robert's full answer.
"But … are you the one that ... that the lady hit with that big spoon?" asked Kyle.
"Yes, I was the only foster kid living here at the time. And yes, she hit me with this huge, ginormous spoon. Remind me and I'll show it to you to later. Now guys … our friends might be asking questions about the article when they get here later. I want you to refer them to me if they ask you questions because none of you were here at the time. Just tell them you don't really know anything other than what you read in the paper this morning, too," explained Robert, who then asked "OK?" as he finished.
The younger Covers said they understood. They then wanted Robert to show them the spoon Mildred used. Robert looked at his 'dad and getting a nod, Robert, Eric and the other three Cover lads walked towards the Kitchen Nook and the prep area. When they got there, Robert took the spoon off the hanging utensil rack. He showed them the 21" Heavy Duty Solid Stainless Steel Basting Spoon Mildred used to hit him with.
"Dang, Robert … she hit you with … with that?" said a surprised Charles.
"Yes, she did, and it hurt!" replied Robert.
Kevin came over to look at the spoon. After examining it, he then looked up to Robert and asked, "What would 'Dad Ken' need such a big spoon for?"
Robert told the boys he asked that same question. That said, Robert went over to where the cooking pots were kept. He pulled this very large pot out from under the stainless steel prep table and showed it to everyone.
"'Dad' told me this is an 80-quart stock pot. He told me when he outfitted the kitchen he went with industrial sizes in some things because he figured he'd be cooking for loads of people. Then he laughed and told me he never used it. You see it is almost 17 inches deep and the 21 inch spoon would be long enough to stir whatever was cooking inside it," explained the teenager, as he put the spoon into the pot to show the lads what he meant.
"What Robert told you is true," spoke out Mr. Ken, who ultimately startled all five lads because they didn't know he was there.
"I bought a lot of things that have never been used. Hey, what did I know? I was still a college student and I wasn't thinking straight. But when people come into the preparation area and see all these industrial cooking things they are very impressed. Robert and Charles might recognize that pot, though. It was one of the pots Momma Maria used to heat the water when we served spaghetti for, what, 20 people that one time?" continued Mr. Ken.
"Spaghetti dinner?" said Kyle, with a question in his voice.
"Yeah, we had a big sleep-over and we needed to cook something other than hamburgers and hot dogs. So, 'dad' talked to Momma Maria and she made a huge pot of spaghetti sauce and set up two large pots of water. That was so when the time came all 'dad' had to do was boil the water and cook the spaghetti. That was a fun dinner, too," revealed Charles.
"Wow, I hope we get to do that with our friends sometimes," offered Kyle.
"Hey boys, how about putting that now dirty spoon and pot in the kitchen for Momma Maria to wash in the morning. Then drain your dragons and head up to the Main Gate to meet your friends," suggested Mr. Ken.
It was Robert who then asked, "'Dad', what if some of the parents want to ask questions?"
"Yeah, I see what you mean. Ok. I'll go drain my lizard and meet you up at the gate," laughed Mr. Ken.
"Your lizard?" simultaneously voiced the twins.
All Mr. Ken did was ruffle each twin's hair and then he walked out of the kitchen preparation area. The lads then did what Mr. Ken asked. They took the things Robert had taken out and put them in the Kitchen Nook and they all stopped by the hall half-bath to pee. They then walked out the Foyer door and headed up to the Main Gate. It wasn't long before the lads' friends began to arrive.
"Robert, were you the lad that Mildred hit with the big spoon?" asked Brad, with a knowing smile.
"How do you figure?" asked Robert, with an equally good smile.
"Well … Mildred … she was fired right after you got here, so … I'm just asking," chuckled Brad.
It was Kyle who spoke up and said, "You should see the size of the spoon she used!"
It was then Mr. Ken came walking up to the Main Gate. Other lads had begun to arrive and their parents saw the owner of The Cove was standing there, so they got out of their vehicles to go and talk to the owner of The Cove.
It was Carol Fletcher who asked, "Did Mildred actually do that, you know, embezzle over a hundred thousand dollars, from you Mr. Ken?"
Before the man could answer a number of other parents had come over to him. They sort of heard Carol's question, but some asked the same question anyway. Mr. Ken waited until the majority of the parents were there before answering.
"I suspect most of you have, ahh, read this morning's newspaper," said Mr. Ken, with a smile. "And, the question that is on all your minds is … is that yes it appears to be true that Mildred Johnston did the unthinkable and stole money from me. That question will ultimately be answered by 12 men and/or women of a jury, if she doesn't take a plea deal.
"My accountant, along with Chris Dominions, checked the contracts and the costs and there was a very large discrepancy in those set aside funds. We collected the information and I gave it to my lawyer who contacted DA Morris. If you read the paper you know everything there is to know. George Morris is having his accounting people check our figures, but I am sure there won't be much, if any, of a discrepancy.
"If you are wondering about the fraud Mildred is accused of, well, it appears that Mildred contracted for services and repairs to be done around the estate, but apparently were never delivered. It may be that she pocketed or even shared the money with a few unscrupulous contractors. You probably read that DA Morris will be looking into all those contractors and he'll determine if they were in collusion with Mildred Johnston." Mr. Ken then asked if they had any questions.
Carol was the first to offer her sincere regrets about Mildred. Barbara Sullivan joined in saying how sorry she was to hear that someone who everyone said was the best thing to happen to The Cove turned out to be such a scoundrel. Other parents joined in agreeing with both women.
Some of the twins' friend's parents didn't know much more than what they read in the newspaper that morning, so they had a few more questions. Mr. Ken saw the questions in their faces, so he decided to add a few more things.
"For those who don't know who Mildred Johnston is … I had hired her to be my Household Manager. She came to me with high recommendations from a number of the well-established families in the state. And. since I was in need of someone, I hired her. She was responsible for the running of the day-to-day activities of the estate to include all the contracts to keep the house clean and the surrounding grounds looking sharp.
"Mildred was also responsible to keep track of all of the goings on here, including the parties and picnics. She worked here almost for two years before she … well, as you must have read, she attacked the foster boy who was living with me at that time.
"Robert … would you come over here, 'son'. … Yes, Robert was the one that … well, one day after he returned from school she, for whatever reason, attacked him with a 21 inch long ladle. She beat him about his head and shoulders, so what you read in the paper this morning is true. He had welts; some the size of a golf ball, and cuts and bruises all over his upper body and head that were on him for a long time.
"I called Doctor Rick Powers and he came right over to the house and treated him. Along the way, he made the call to the Sheriff's Office and told them about the attack. They sent out a Deputy. Seeing the bloody spoon, the Sheriff's Deputy arrested her and called for the detectives.
"The detectives did their investigation and Mildred eventually went before a judge. The judge, in turn, gave her, what I consider a slap on the wrist, as you might have read in today's article. There isn't much more I can tell you other than the system will do its job and Mildred will either be set free or sent to prison."
"Is it true she stole over one hundred thousand dollars?" asked a parent, whose voice Mr. Ken didn't recognize.
"That is what she is being charged with. But, as I said, DA George Morris indicated he would have his accounting people check the figures, so the charges could be amended. But, overall, it appears she did make a large sum of money disappear, over the almost two years she worked here, from the Three Finger Cove accounts," replied Mr. Ken.
It was then a few strangers appeared and pushed their way in front of the parents. They began to ask more questions of Mr. Ken while holding out what appeared to be microphones. Mr. Ken figured those interlopers were reporters, so he told them that he'd have No Comment for the time being. One reporter asked if what he told the other people in front of him was 'No Comment'.
Mr. Ken began to see stars as he never stopped to think that the news reporters would have been stationed outside his house. He began to mentally kick himself in the butt for not even thinking about the underhanded ways news reporters go to in order to get a story. He knew he couldn't be mad at the parents because this was his problem, not theirs, and it was he who volunteered the information he dispensed to them just a few moments ago. Knowing the reporters were there to get a statement, or something they could take back to their editor, Mr. Ken decided to say something.
"For those of you who are here from the press, if you heard what I said to the parents, of my boy's friends, I have nothing to add. I didn't tell them anything different than what was printed in this morning's newspaper. I do want you to know that you have NO permission to print any pictures that have any of the children's faces who reside at Three Finger Cove. If other parents wish to allow you to use their child's likeness, that is up to them.
While the adults were talking, Robert whispered to the boys to follow him. He took all the lads through the Main Gate and the group worked their way down to the ramps. The lads set aside their gym-like bags, put down their skateboards and they went to the ramps to begin riding.
It was Trevor who noticed the side open area was now cut. The boys had all commented that the grass was getting very high and wondered why it hadn't been cut. He called Robert over to show him and asked him who had cut it. Robert said he didn't know but would talk to his 'dad'. The boys went back to skating
Up outside the Main Gate, things were getting a bit heated.
"Who are these boys you speak of?" asked a reporter, who didn't identify himself.
"That is for you to research and determine," snapped back Mr. Ken.
"What if we do happen to … print their likenesses? What can you do about it?" smirked the reporter.
"Be assured … if you do print any pictures of my boys … you will reap the rewards you so much will regret," chastised the owner of The Cove.
"Is that a threat?" asked the irksome reporter.
"I am not in the habit of making threats. I just stated facts. I'll repeat it for those who are so thickheaded they didn't understand me the first time. DO NOT PRINT any likenesses of my boys!" emphatically stressed Mr. Ken, who then walked to the Main Gate and entered the estate.
The parents began to get in their vehicles and leave, but many were stopped by the reporters trying to get more of the story than they had. They figured the parents of the lads knew more than Mr. Ken let on, so they began badgering them.
"You ma'am … can you tell us what Mr. Thomas meant by his threat?" asked the obnoxious reporter.
"I'll have you know this is ONLY the second time I've been here, at this house. My boy was invited over to ride his skateboard and possibly swim in the lagoon or the indoor pool. As for your preconceived so-called threat, I don't think a man with these means makes threats. As for using my boy's face in any picture … you DO NOT, and I repeat … you DO NOT have my permission to use my child's picture or likeness at any time," said Janet Stonewell.
"Can you tell me which of all those boys was your son?" Inquired the reporter.
"You figure it out!" said Janet, who then got in her car and drove away.
The parents of the boys who'd been coming to The Cove since late winter knew not to talk to the reporters. They saw the way they overplayed their hand and acted the day Todd and Logan helped save Walt Tankards out on the lake. They knew the reporters were out to make a name for themselves and they would not be a part of it. Carol and Barbara saw the way Janet Stonewell reacted and they were happy she wouldn't talk any of the reporters.
After all the parents had left, the reporters had no one else to talk to. They already had Mr. Ken's talk to the parents on tape, but it essentially had what the paper reported that morning. They decided to stick around and try to talk to the boys as they left. They had no idea how long they would have to wait.
After Mr. Ken entered the estate grounds, he headed straight down to the ramps to talk to the lads. He got their attention and then told them that some reporters are unscrupulous people who will stop at nothing to try to get people to say something they didn't mean to say. Mr. Ken told the lads he was telling them that just in case they get stopped by a reporter when they leave the estate.
Mr. Ken told the new lads to just tell the reporter that this was only their second visit to The Cove and didn't really know anything about what happened here before. He also asked them NOT to mention any of the names of his boys because they were all in the Children's Protective Services and it was up to them whether or not the name could be released.
"But, Mr. Ken … didn't you mention Robert's name when we were outside the gate?" spoke up Blake.
"Yes, I did … but many people already know Robert from the Easter Roll and the 4th of July Picnic and a few other picnics or parties we've given here. But that still doesn't give those newspaper reporters the right to print a picture with his face in it without his parents or guardians, which would be me, permission.
"Boys … I try my best to keep Robert, Charles and now the twins out of the spotlight as best I can. The fewer people know who are living here the better it is for my boys. So, lads, I ask you not to talk to anyone about who lives here and what you all do here, even though there is nothing wrong with what you all do. Can you help me here lads?" finished Mr. Ken.
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