Spectators packed the federal courtroom yesterday where the owners of the now-defunct graphic pornography company Extreme Associates were sentenced.

There were family members of the defendants, members of the media, and an unknown number of representatives from the Women's Bar Association of Western Pennsylvania.

Late Tuesday night, an assistant U.S. attorney who also serves as a committee chair for the WBA sent an e-mail soliciting members to attend the Extreme Associates sentencing.

"This defendant produces the most violent, degrading and disgusting portrayals of rape, torture and otherwise depraved conduct against women depicted in the country," wrote Megan Farrell, an assistant U.S. attorney in the civil division. "This is an extremely important case for women to follow. . . . By attending, you may be able to help demonstrate to the court that this type of violence against women will not be tolerated."

Ms. Farrell, who is friendly with U.S. Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan, also sent a similar message to female employees in the prosecutor's office, using her Department of Justice e-mail account.

Warner Mariani, who represented Janet Romano in the sentencing, was offended by Ms. Farrell's actions.

"If they think they're going to intimidate Judge Lancaster, they're dumber than I thought," he said. "That's ridiculous. That's beyond the role of a prosecutor to try to influence a federal judge. Talk about unprofessional."

It is expected during a criminal prosecution that a defendant will pack a courtroom with family, friends and supporters during sentencing.

It's unusual, though, for that to happen for prosecutors.

"It may be tacky, but I don't think it's unethical," said University of Pittsburgh law professor John Burkoff.