>> why? >> they're throwing double digit figures at me. i don't want it. i'm not taking it. if i got to do some time they got to give it to me. i'm not pleading guilty to nothing. >> bates has pled not guilty to multiple charges of weapons possession and aggravated assault. he had hoped to reach a plea deal for a sentence of five years, but the prosecution had a harsher sentence in mind. >> 15 and three years running consecutive. i'd have to do 15 then when i finish the 15 start the three years. >> so 18 years? >> it would take -- >> bates will now take the case to trial. in the meantime, he'll remain in the bergen county jail where he holds a distinct status. >> i do believe michael bates is our highest ranking blood member in the jail. >> michael bates definitely is the real deal. he can throw his weight around here. >> i hold a high rank now, which is called og, original gangster. i done fought. i done stabbed people in prison. i done orchestrated riots. i been in every prison in the state of new jersey except the southern state so everybody