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The English language doesn't have the words to capture the outrageousness of that request. The defendant stole from his mother, and now he wants to visit her?

U.S. District Judge Paul S. Diamond, referring to former Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams, who asked to be temporarily released from custody to see his dying mother before starting his five-year prison sentence for corruption. Diamond refused.

U.S. District Judge Paul S. Diamond, referring to former Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams, who asked to be temporarily released from custody to see his dying mother before starting his five-year prison sentence for corruption. Diamond refused.

Caroline Cournoyer is GOVERNING's senior web editor.