from the files of Pontius Pilate – Jerusalem AD/BC
The suspect was born in poor circumstances – family homeless – mother had to get married and husband not natural father.
The family were under suspicion for the gifts given to the family – by members of a group known as ‘the Wise Men’. No satisfactory explanation can be given for the origins of the gold – it is noted that there were a series of thefts from Roman official’s villas – however nothing could be proven. Frankincense was being sold off cheaply in the markets – we believe from a smuggling gang from Syria. The Myrrh could have been stolen off the back of a wagon as ‘Fingers’ Wise Man will – as seen by his files – take anything not nailed down.
There was also the suspicion – again not proven – that illegal drug taking – the cousins from the country and the ‘Wise Man’ gang both reported bright lights – disembodied voices and were obviously hallucinating about a character called Gabrielle – giving them instructions. The cousins were so disorientated they left their flocks without supervision – which were then attacked by a wolf – and as a consequence they were unable to pay their full level of taxes.
The Suspect then trained as a builder like his father – but we were able to find little evidence – of his working – or paying taxes. However he was able to maintain a relatively high standard of living.
Although there was no proof we suspect he was running a catering business. On one occasion we found around 5,000 people eating a fish supper – the only catering establishment being a stall run by the Suspect. He claimed that most of the people had brought their own food and showed that he only had invoices for the delivery of five fish and five loaves. Due to lack of evidence the case was not followed up.
On another occasion he was suspected of catering for a wedding party. He claimed he was doing it for free. There was a suspicion that he was deliberately avoided paying the newly introduced wine tax – by supplying wine in water pitchers. When challenged he denied all knowledge and the only explanation he was able to offer was that it was a miracle. By the time soldiers arrived at the scene the evidence was drunk and therefore the matter was dropped.
Other incidents in his life include the fight at the synagogue over a pitch for stalls – charges of claiming to be a doctor and there were a number of suspicious instant cures – and there was the bet that he could walk on water. We have no explanation of how this was done – but suspect some sort of platform under the water – it was known at this period he was friendly with a group of fisherman – and they could have easily rigged something.
We are not sure what led to his downfall – he came in to town – on a festival day – and was extremely popular – three days later everyone was against him. We suspect he must have sold them something that didn’t work. All we know is that he had a banquet with 12 friends and that they ran out of money. He set a colleague, Judas, out to collect 30 silver pieces. Judas – clearly fed up – reported the incident to the city authorities – and was willing to help us convict him. Judas was subsequently found hanged – and although suicide was the formal explanation – we suspect foul play.
The Suspect was arrested – charged – and on the evidence of many in the trial convicted. We were willing – and in fact suggested a custodial sentence – but the local population wanted him to receive the death penalty. He was consequently sentenced to death with a thief and murderer.
He appeared to die and was taken to a tomb – three days later there were reports that he was seen in the locality and then nothing was heard about him. We suspect that his death was faked and that he has subsequently left the territory. We have concerns that his gang and other supporters are still well organised and I advise my successors to watch this group carefully as believe they have potential to cause problems in the fuure.