The Thomas Butler case was the same thing. Once a lot of resources are put into an investigation, it is important for the careers of the officials that made the decision to commit resource to not get a black eye. If they get a conviction on a big case, that is a gold star on their record and helps them advance. Bu even more importantly, if they lose, that is 10 black marks for them to make up. (At least.)

Scientists in general are extremely naive about law enforcement and believe that if they cooperate they will be seen as good guys and left alone. For minor things that don't result in more than a little time for one person, that is often true. However, if more than one person shows up, or the case gets airplay, or it has a juicy "angle" then cops and prosecutors see scientists as soft targets. So of course they go for a relatively easy win to get promotions.

Police and prosecutors are no better than anybody else. Think of this as a grant competition submission by law enforcement - that's pretty close. What will academics do to get a grant and gain tenure? Those doing the investigation and prosecution of a high profile case are thinking rather like that. They have one goal, and you are in the path of their career goal.

So, anyone in this situation, the word is, say nothing. Get a good CRIMINAL attorney immediately! Do it before an investigation gets underway. Get a lawyer that will challenge and fight before anything is really rolling. That will signal to the prosecutors that this won't be an easy case. They'll prefer greener pastures. Spend the money on it that it needs. Prevention like that will cost $10,000 to $25,000. But do it. Don't be penny-wise and pound foolish.

Also, don't believe a word that the legal department of your university or institution says. Those lawyers have a duty ONLY to the university. It is malpractice for them to care about you in any way that works against the party they represent. So never forget that they have a duty to NOT inform you of anything that could help you if it might not be in the best interest of their party.

So get your own attorney. NEVER say a word to the university's people without your own attorney present and advising you.

It will save your career and years of heartache and jail time. This isn't the movies. It isn't "Law and Order" with it's neat little plotlines.