“Then why under heaven would you keep this information hidden from the court and voluntarily accept a jail sentence instead of explaining your circumstances?” the judge inquired.

Clarence turned his head slightly toward the back row where Rebecca sat clutching her youngest child.

“That young mother spent nearly six months making sure that I did not starve alone in my bed, so there was no way on earth I would let her stand up in a public courtroom feeling guilty for my crimes,” Clarence stated with absolute conviction.

Rebecca covered her trembling mouth with her free hand, letting out a stifled sob that echoed softly off the wood paneled walls.