[fallse7en]

I think the third paragraph explained their thinking:

    While they offered a relatively short sentence, 
    prosecutors were absolutely determined to get a
    felony plea and some kind of prison time, according
    to sources cited by The Huffington Post. They wanted
    those results because they believed it would justify
    their bringing charges in the first place, according
    to HuffPo.

[rayiner]

"According to HuffPo" is not a credible citation. If we're going by rumor and innuendo, what about the claims that MIT was the one pushing for jail time?

[Steveism]

If it really was just to justify the whole circus then the outrage towards the DOJ is warranted. It's silly to let pride and spite ruin someone's life.