She enlarged several invoice numbers.
“These companies barely exist.”
The prosecutor frowned.
“What do you mean?”
“The addresses lead to empty storefronts, private residences, and in one case, a tire repair shop.”
Murmurs spread through the courtroom.
Robles’s attorney stood.
“Your Honor, we have not had an opportunity to verify these allegations.”
“You’ll get one,” Judge Vargas replied.
Lucía continued.
“Three companies were incorporated within months of Mr. Robles becoming principal.”
Robles suddenly stood.
“This is a circus!”
Judge Vargas slammed her gavel.
“Sit down.”
“They’re lying!”
“Mr. Robles!”
His attorney physically pulled him back into his chair.
Sofía waited until the room quieted.
Then she said:
“The interesting part isn’t when those companies were created.”
She removed another document.
“It’s where the money went afterward.”
Robles stopped moving.
Sofía placed the paper before the judge.
“Payments from the school went into supplier accounts. Portions were subsequently transferred through intermediary accounts.”
