Jody Nelson: We hardly knew you

But we do know that you had been with Patterson UTI before they went public and we do know that those in charge at Patterson reward those who are loyal to them.

We do know that Jody had at least $13 million in Patterson stock and that he made hundreds of thousands a year in salary.

Why?

Why embezzle $70 million dollars when you already have more than most people make in a lifetime?

Only to buy more stuff?

Apparently he started doing it soon after he became CFO.

The usual profile is a drug or gambling habit, but multiple airplanes, boats, vehicles houses, ranches, and a truck stop.

Where did that come from?

How can you think you won’t get caught eventually.

Armchair psychologists and detectives have offered various explanations:

He did it for the thrill, for the adrenaline rush.
His girlfriend made him do it.
He started small and it was easy. It just went from there.
He didn’t think he was getting his fair share and was jealous of those in charge.
He liked playing the big shot.
His relatives encouraged him.

Who knows?

Anita Clinkenbeard got ten years in jail for less than one million.

What’s $70 million worth?

What does it feel like to be thinking you’re going to prison for a long time and that things ain’t going to be so good even after you get out?

When you had it all.

Who knows. Maybe even Jody doesn’t.