The operation was bigger than a few dishonest officers.
Customer information was sold to a broker.
The broker passed it to corrupt patrol officers.
The officers manufactured violations.
Victims were frightened into surrendering cash.
Complaints were then buried by people inside the county system.
The money moved through businesses that appeared legitimate.
Daniel had discovered the structure.
That was why he had become a problem.
Shaw finally showed Frank Daniel's last recording.
Daniel's voice was tired.
"If you're hearing this, I didn't finish the investigation."
He explained that the roadside thefts were only one part of the operation.
The real power came from information.
"Find the people who know where the victims will be before the officers do."
The recording ended.
Frank sat in silence.
Daniel had been close.
Very close.
Now they only needed the person coordinating the entire network.
Chapter 8 — The Evidence Room
The breakthrough came from an unexpected place.
An audit of the county evidence room revealed discrepancies.
Cash seized during traffic stops was recorded at lower amounts than the money officers had actually taken.
Some evidence bags had been opened.