Originally Posted by After Shock Media

Typically once the US government sets its sites on you, you end up fucked and more likely than not no amount of money will get you out of it.

Hell go find the documentary about Tommy Chong and his conviction for his kids pipe company. He also got cornered into taking a plea and a plug up the ass. Nothing is off limits to them, they threaten friends, family, you name it. A plea bargain can start to look very good.
Max hardcore also felt their wraith and might. Sure he could appeal and spend more and more. Does not matter what he did or did not do - he is also fucked.

Why I often cringe when I see others flaunt and taunt the government and the fuckhead prosecutors. Once one of the main tools in charge points their finger your direction and says you! Well that is it, even if you did not really do anything as long as some part of whatever was done was illegal in some way.