Madam I Am

Madam Keavy was in classic form. In some odd way, it was perhaps her finest hour. Calm and dignified, she was the strong, Southern woman they all knew and loved. After each one of her employees stepped back from learning their fate -- their sentences ranged from community service to three years in custody -- Keavy stood and comforted them. But other than her co-defendants (Rachel and Daniel Love were present, though they were still awaiting trial and not involved in the hearing), no one was there to comfort Keavy. No family, no boyfriend, no best buddy.

When it was her turn, Keavy pleaded no contest to the charges before her, and admitted to all of the various acts on which they were based. The District Attorney's Office wanted Keavy sentenced to six years. Cordell imposed three. It was the best Keavy was going to get -- the crimes she was charged with carry mandatory sentences under the law.

Before she entered a cell, however, Keavy was given permission to go home to Georgia for the holidays. She is scheduled to return to Santa Clara County for official sentencing, and to begin her prison term, on Feb. 3.