I would think both: a retard/patsy they've been sitting on for a while. Arrest him now to send a signal. They probably have piles of these kinds of idiots.  If one or more signals do not have the desired effect, they'll probably choose a patsy that they can encourage to do some real harm. Think back. We've all known a gullible and easily manipulated idiot at one time or another. It's these people that are abused in this manner. Sad and sick, really.