His story changed.
He admitted Travis had asked him to create vendor profiles before
Mason’s arrest.
He claimed Travis said Mason had approved them.
But there was no record of Mason giving that approval.
The controller eventually entered negotiations with prosecutors in a
broader fraud investigation.
His statements implicated Travis directly.
He also claimed Victoria knew the books were being manipulated.
Naomi immediately warned Mason that this last allegation required
corroboration.
A cooperating witness had reasons to shift blame.
Bank records later showed Victoria received money originating from one
suspicious vendor.
Victoria said Travis told her it was repayment of a family loan.
That explanation might have been false.
It might also have been true.
Mason stopped demanding that every bad fact become proof of the worst
possible crime.
The evidence against Travis was stronger.
Investigators found gambling payments.
They found account access.
They found messages discussing vendor money.
