After reading an article in yesterday's New York Times about another ruling by Judge Denise Cote
("Prison for Ex-Manhattan Assemblywoman in Sham Marriage Case"), I believe even more strongly that Cote predecided the "conspiracy" case and made sure that the evidence that was admitted fit her predetermination.
Don't get me wrong about yesterday's case. The woman pled guilty and did commit a crime. I just find disturbing Cote's reason for sending the woman to jail rather than following the probation department's recommendation. Increasingly Cote sounds like she has a screw loose and is very vindictive.
It will be interesting to see what the ultimate disposition of the Apple case will be.