Read the case of State of West Virginia v. Keith O. Peoples with an open mind as a juror in the case. Page 157.

Discussion Questions:

1. Is Officer Keith O. People charged with a white collar crime? Explain.
2. Are the three elements of the fraud triangle present in this case? If so identify and explain.
3. Fraud is an intent crime. Absent a confession, the state attempted to establish Peopless intent via circumstantial evidence. Discuss the concept of intent. Describe the circumstantial evidence compiled by the states lead investigator to establish intent.
4. Describe the significance of considering alternative explanations when conducting a fraud investigation. Was it important in this case? Explain your response.
5. What evidence was presented by the prosecutor in this case?
6. What augments were presented by the defense in this case to combat the prosecutors case?
7. What impact, if any, do you think Peopless failure to testify had on the jurys deliberations?
8. Based on the case summary, do you think Peoples was guilty of fraud? Explain your position.