Watch for additional Merchan change in behavior and rulings that would indicate she was forced to sign a "deferred prosecution agreement". It would most likely manifest as a rather "by the book" set of actions by her with little deviation from actual LAW and precedent from now now (as if she was being closely supervised by a JAG or two).

Deferred prosecution agreements were the staple of the Guliani RICO playbook in taking down the NYC crime families. The way it roughly works is the person (usually mid/upper tier in pyramid) is indicted for a major crime (or set of crimes), it remains sealed, they are brought in to testify or discuss the matter (or legal options) as part of the investigation. They are asked to assist in the investigation to indict other players above and below. Indictments get stacked up on them until they agree and sign (usually with their own lawyer present). Perpetrator gets left in their position, but must adhere to the agreement and cooperate in the prosecution and indictment of others. If they break agreement or talk about it, indictment is unsealed and they get perp-walked publicly to embarass them, etc.

Later prosecution charges are adjusted down based on actual level of cooperation with plea deals offered to the most effective cooperating indictees. Don't settle for the Lieutenant when you are after the General.

Watch for additional Merchan change in behavior and rulings that would indicate she was forced to sign a "deferred prosecution agreement". It would most likely manifest as a rather "by the book" set of actions by her with little deviation from actual LAW and precedent from now now (as if she was being closely supervised by a JAG or two).