[topspin]

"he was probably coerced or induced by someone with more authority"

Then he should flip. Naming names will at least buy some sympathy points.

[loeg]

How? If there's no evidence of a conversation, it won't help his case.

[topspin]

It's not that simple.

Sincere cooperation has value and is weighted by authorities, regardless of where it does or does not lead. Years served are based on such factors.

Also, there are the civil suits. Standards of evidence are generally lower and a credible and cooperative peon has value to plaintiffs as they pursue the big targets.

[loeg]

How do the authorities distinguish sincere cooperation from fabricated deflection, in the absence of evidence?

[quickthrower2]

I’m guessing it creates more probable cause for subpoenas and leverage in interviews and hopefully they find more evidence … or not.

[topspin]

Often it's as simple minded as convincing the judge that decides how many years you'll serve that you're not irredeemable.

[NortySpock]

It does point some heat at the named person, and maybe drags their name through the mud.

[lazide]

No one is going to give immunity or spare someone from prosecution if that have that person nailed hardcore, and the only evidence they have against the ‘mastermind’ is he said/she said that isn’t going to go anywhere in court.