A judge Monday promised the two former NYPD detectives known as 'mafia cops' that they will receive the maximum sentence of life in prison.

Louis Eppolito, 57, and Stephen Caracappa, 64, were convicted in April of taking part in eight killings while on the payroll of Luchese underboss Anthony "Gaspipe" Cassos from 1986 to 1990. Federal prosecutors say the two detectives used their badges to make routine traffic stops and then deliver individuals to the mob. They say the two also sold NYPD secrets to the mob.

The judge said he would not sentence the two until June 23 at which time the defendants will have a chance to argue they were denied adequate counsel at trial.

Federal prosecutors call the case the most violent betrayal of the badge that New York has ever seen. Eppolito and Caracappa spent a combined 44 years on the police force and were highly decorated.