Updated 11/13/2009 05:20 PM
Judge Denies Motion For Mistrial In Bruno's Corruption Case
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A federal judge today has denied a motion for a mistrial in the corruption case of former State Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno.
Bruno's lawyer asked for the mistrial, saying the judge's comments before a jury yesterday showed he favored the prosecution.
The call for a mistrial was prompted by an event yesterday when the judge gave the prosecution another chance to question a witness. In response, the judge says he heard Bruno say, "See, I told you the judge's rulings are unfair."
The judge said it is his job to keep the trial on track, and told the jury to ignore what they may have heard.
"I have all the respect in the world for who's in charge, that the judge is in charge,” said Bruno. “All I want is a fair and impartial trial. I am innocent."
Bruno was indicted in January on federal corruption charges.
He's accused of using his position to steer contracts and grants to businesses that paid him at least $3 million from 1993 to 2006.