Prison conditions in the U.S. are such that I wouldn't fault someone facing down a life sentence from considering a quicker option out.

Honestly, I don't even know what the point of prison in this situation is. It won't get anyone their money back, and he's unlikely to be in a position where he can reoffend in the future.

I suppose there's the deterrent angle, but I'm not convinced that there's a meaningful difference between a 10 year sentence and a life sentence as a deterrent.