"He thought he was untouchable," Marcus said, his voice tight with controlled anger. "That's why he got sloppy. Power made him arrogant."
They watched more footage showing officers under Holt's command conducting illegal searches, making false arrests, and destroying property during raids. Each incident was carefully cataloged with dates, times, and officer names.
"This goes beyond simple corruption," Agent Williams said, shaking her head. "This is organized criminal activity using police authority as cover. The civil-rights violations alone—"
She trailed off as new footage began playing. The video showed Angela being thrown to the ground during her arrest. Officer Griggs could be heard laughing as he twisted her arm unnecessarily hard.
Marcus's hands clenched, but he forced himself to remain professional.
"We'll need statements from your neighbors who witnessed the arrest," Agent Torres said. "And Mrs. Carter's testimony about the harassment will be crucial."
"I can help coordinate that," Marcus offered. "The neighborhood trusts me more than any law enforcement right now."
"Understandably," Agent Williams replied. "But we need to move carefully. If Holt suspects we're building a case, he might destroy evidence or pressure witnesses."
They spent hours reviewing more footage and building a precise timeline. The case expanded beyond Holt to include several other officers and department officials who had enabled or participated in the corruption.
"The U.S. Attorney's Office is drafting warrants right now," Agent Torres explained. "We'll coordinate with military police given the attacks on your home and service medals. This will be a joint operation."
Meanwhile, Angela walked slowly down Brookside Street, stopping to talk with concerned neighbors. Mrs. Carter sat with her on the front porch, both women watching other residents peek nervously through windows.
"People are scared," Mrs. Carter said softly. "After what they did to your house, everyone's wondering who's next."
"It's almost over," Angela assured her, careful not to reveal too much. "Marcus and I aren't backing down. Neither should anyone else."
"The developers called again this morning," Mrs. Carter admitted. "Offered even more money. Said it would be easier for everyone if I sold quickly."
Her hands trembled slightly as she sipped her tea. Angela covered the older woman's hand with her own.
"Don't let them intimidate you. Change is coming. Good change this time."
Other neighbors gradually emerged from their homes, drawn by Angela's calm presence. They gathered in small groups, sharing stories of police harassment and pressure to sell. Angela listened carefully, making mental notes of dates and incidents that might help the investigation.
"My boy got pulled over three times last week," Mr. Washington from two doors down said. "No reason given, just harassment."
"They went through my trash at night," added Mrs. Lopez. "Left it scattered all over my yard. Said they were conducting an investigation but wouldn't say of what."
Back at the federal building, agents coordinated their planned response. Multiple arrest teams were assembled, each assigned specific targets. Agent Williams spread a map across the table showing key locations.