I just finished reading Al' D'Arco biography "Mob Boss" (its a pretty good book on the Mafia, not the best but it was a good read overall). I read something in it that intrigued me.

D'Arco was friends with Gene Gotti, who has many of you know, was not only brother to John Gotti, but received a fifty year prison sentence for heroin dealing back in the late 80's. Before Gene was sentenced, Al told him to go on the lam for a while, because the Judge and prosecution would be too embarrassed and settle for a plea deal. Thus, Gene could get far less time. Gene refused because, as brother to John Gotti, he couldn't plead guilty without shaming his brother.

I don't recall Al explaining how this would work. How would going on the lam have helped Gene get a lighter prison sentence? I would think that running away makes you appear more guilty, but what do you all think?