First of all, thank you for the enourmous support.
Here's why I mentioned he was a victim too (my opinion).

He worked on his skills (which he should have done for the dept situation). He was qualified for the job, but because of his past, the offer was declined.

And from there we see a domino effect.

His ego is challenged by Kristen's financial success.

He felt the need to prove himself. He thinks he can't do anything without a job. And, for his ego, he couldn't lose the girl.

To the extent of what he did, deep down something was wrong. And that's why I said he was a victim (of his lies and no-other-way mindset).

All in all, he was proven wrong, it was never worth it, and he is doing time for what he did.