"You're in breach of contract," Karen screamed.
"Better than being accessories to fraud," he replied.
The HOA board was crumbling. Marcus Chen resigned via email and Patricia Vance demanded an emergency vote to halt the auction entirely.
"Maybe we should postpone this whole thing," Dr. Stanton said, finally showing some sense.
"We're past the point of no return," Karen insisted.
Jennifer Walsh secretly recorded the entire meeting.
Friday afternoon, three news vans arrived at the subdivision. Channel 9, Fox 31, and Denver 7 were all running stories about the attempted ranch seizure. Karen refused interviews and hid in her house while Dr. Stanton gave a disastrous interview.
"No comment, but we're legally justified," he told Channel 9.
"Even if the surveyor says his signature was forged?" the reporter pressed.
"That forged signature..." Dr. Stanton stammered, realizing he'd been kept in the dark about key details.
Tommy's livestream Friday evening peaked at 12,000 viewers, with comments pouring in from across the country. Legal experts in the chat were explaining fraud implications to viewers and donations were flooding in for my legal defense.
"This is bigger than just Jake's ranch now," Tommy told his audience.
Friday afternoon, FBI Agent Rodriguez interviewed me at the ranch, asking for complete documentation of Karen's scheme.
"Mr. Morrison, this appears to be systematic fraud," Agent Rodriguez confirmed. "We're opening a federal investigation."
Robert Kumar filed criminal complaints for identity theft and his attorney threatened a $500,000 lawsuit against the HOA. Kumar agreed to testify Saturday if needed.
"I've been a surveyor for 25 years," Kumar told Tommy's camera. "This is the most outrageous fraud I've ever seen."
Using email to perpetrate fraud can fall under the federal wire-fraud statute, crossing federal jurisdiction. Identity theft for financial gain carries serious sentencing consequences, and conspiracy charges can be filed against all participants.
Friday evening, Maplewood Heights split into warring factions. Pro-Jake signs appeared in 23 yards while only seven displayed pro-Karen signs. Several residents posted FIRE KAREN signs, and a civil war was brewing regardless of the auction outcome.
The sheriff's office reviewed all evidence Friday evening and prepared for potential arrests.
"Sheriff, this looks like clear fraud," Deputy Santos reported.
"We'll have units on scene tomorrow," Sheriff Martinez confirmed. "Be prepared to make arrests."
In a final desperate move, Karen contacted three private investigators to dig up dirt on my family. They found nothing. My record was spotless.
"Ma'am, this man is a model citizen," the lead investigator told her.