"We cannot afford to wait, because the witnesses and potential defendants are getting much older."

Some officers tell potential defendants they are being taped; most do not.

Other potential defendants may have powerful patrons trying to protect them.

And the ranks of potential defendants extend far beyond those four men.

Now, legal experts said, the prices any potential defendants must pay if they want to obtain a deal have significantly gone up.

"And there may be a race to the courthouse among the potential defendants to see who can get the best deal."

"One thing we are not short of is potential defendants."

For these potential defendants, this must be a long, hot summer.

None of the potential defendants in the suit would comment.

Such a tactic can put additional pressure on potential defendants to cooperate.