C'mon. The author well knows that every day people plead guilty in Federal Court to things they didn't do, simply to escape more serious charges. The more flawed the federal case, the bigger the stick and the more enticing the carrot. Remember Wen Ho Lee? In my mind, Hackenkemp's plea doesn't cast doubt on his claims, but actually supports my belief that he might have been innocent. Granted, it seems unlikely that someone hacked into his computer and put something there. But he does have the presumption of innocence and, unfortunately, a guilty plea in federal court does little to change my mind. Only a trial does that and Hackenkemp was wise to avoid one. Personally, I'd love to see a trial every now and then, but how can you ask the wrongfully accused to risk a decade or so in jail just to make a point? As to his father being unable to comment, what's his dad going to do? Upset the judge and get his son a greater sentence by stating what I've just said above? Nah, I'm sure they will both have plenty to say after sentence has been pronounced. But I'm glad to see that his lawyer talked some sense into him.

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