Swamp Victim

  Chapter 31

  Jane Winfrey and Caley met with Jeff and his attorney, Monty Cloud. Cloud took the initiative and told Jane that his client was prepared to cooperate with the authorities in every respect. He was not the person who actually killed the two young people, he was suffering from a mental breakdown due to the death of his wife, and that Oats Schoenfeld took advantage of the situation to further his campaign of hate and violence against the black population of the area. The lawyer said that Jeff was coerced into becoming an after the fact participant in disposing of the evidence. He went on to state that Jeff was willing to testify for the state, in return for a deal. The first part of the deal would be to support Jeff’s request for bail pending trial. He never expected to get the release on his own recognizance, but his second option would be a release on a reasonable bail, hopefully, a value not to exceed the value of Jeff’s property, which was owned free a clear of liens.

  Jane realized Jeff, while guilty of aiding and abetting a murderer, could be crucial in the prosecution of Oats if he would cooperate and turn state’s witness. After listening to Cloud’s proposal, Jane said, “I am willing to consider your proposal after we hear Mr. Ireland’s full story and record his confession. In the meantime, I will be asking the judge for a bail appropriate for the offense.”

  At that point, the interview was terminated, and Jeff hadn’t said a word, leaving his attorney to present his case. It was hard for him to do since he was anxious to confess to his wrongdoing and get it over with. Ready to take my punishment. I never should have hurt that girl and boy, and I am crazy for going along with Oats’ stupid plan for getting rid of the bodies. I should have gone straight to the law right then.

  As Jane got up from the table, she looked at Jeff and saw his eyes glistening and tears beginning to form. She actually felt sorry for the man. As a prosecutor, she always had empathy for the victims and their family. Having compassion for the perpetrator of the crime was a new predicament for her.

  After listening to the arguments of both lawyers at the arraignment, the judge set bail at $300,000 and agreed to allow Jeff’s property to be put up as security. Jane didn’t argue against the arrangement but did ask that the defendant be warned that his agreement to cooperate with the prosecutor was a consideration for the low bail. The judge said, “So agreed,” slammed down her gavel and Jeff was returned to jail until his attorney consummated the arrangements for his release.

  In two days, Jeff was released. But before he was actually set free, he and his attorney had their first meeting with Winfrey, where he signed a full confession and agreed to testify against Oats.