Life in a Federal Prison

Before the break for lunch, the judge asked the fogeys of the 2 suspects to approach the bench. I could not catch it all as the judge was chatting noiselessly, but from what I could hear, he was informing them that the proof was overpowering and it looked likely the 2 accused would be serving a lengthy time in federal prison camp. He counseled them to encourage their sons to switch their plea to guilty. He revealed that if they actually did that, he would then be considerate and 1/2 the sentence. Surviving prison would be made that much easier. ( It should be indicated, that up to this point, the judge had only heard the sworn statement from one side. The accused had not yet entered the witness stand. ) So much for trusting till proved guilty.