Chapter 17 - The charges
The state charged Celeste eight months after the original storm claim.
Not because she photographed Piper.
The criminal case focused on insurance conduct.
Counts:
Insurance fraud based on knowingly presenting or causing materially false contents information.
Attempted insurance fraud tied to the unpaid supplemental claim.
False statement/document-related count.
One misdemeanor harassment/intimidation-related charge tied to repeatedly threatening Piper with catastrophic consequences if she disclosed what she saw.
The last count was narrower and more fact-dependent.
No charge for “stalking” based solely on household photographs.
No child-abuse felony.
No theft of house.
Then Miles.
He entered a cooperation agreement on a misdemeanor false-statement/claims-practice offense.
He admitted:
He knew some property presented for inspection had not been documented in the workshop before.
He failed to correct misleading impressions.
He did not admit designing scheme.
His cooperation could reduce sentence.
Then Celeste surrendered through counsel.
No raid.
No handcuffs in front of Jenna.
Released pending trial.
No contact with Piper.
No discussion of case with Jenna beyond through lawyers/therapist as appropriate.
No destruction of records.
Then Andrew.
He requested temporary primary residential custody of Jenna while criminal case pending.
Celeste objected.
Family court did not remove Jenna simply because mother was charged with nonviolent financial crimes.
But concerns included:
Using Jenna to reinforce false story about Piper.
Coaching her about access.
Party incident.
Court ordered:
Jenna primarily with Andrew for school weeks temporarily.
Celeste substantial parenting time.
No case discussion.
No questioning Jenna about Piper.
No using her as messenger.
No supervised-contact fantasy.
Celeste had not physically abused Jenna.
The order was about reducing pressure.
Then my family.
Simon Morgan said:
“You got what you wanted.”
“No.”
“Celeste is charged.”
“I didn’t charge her.”
“You reopened the claim.”
“Yes.”
“Same difference.”
“No.”
May you like
That distinction became another family fracture.
I stopped trying to convince him.
