The accusation landed like a bombshell.

Elena Hale was twenty-two years old when federal agents appeared at her apartment door. It was six in the morning. She was still in her pajamas with a cup of coffee in her hand. The knocking was loud and insistent. It meant something was very wrong.

She opened the door to three officers in jackets. They showed her a warrant. Large-print words were used, such as "conspiracy" and "wire fraud." They asked her if she understood her rights.

Elena didn't unders