A federal appeals judge in New York has asked a prosecutor to defend sentences given to Adelphia Communications founder John Rigas, 83, and his son Timothy.

Judge Jose Cabranes said defense lawyers argue the father’s 12-year sentence in an accounting scandal and the son’s 17-year prison term were more years in jail than some terrorists serve.

The feds said the sentences were long but not uncommon. The court did not immediately rule on requests for new trials.