Jurors in the federal corruption trial of former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver will be back Monday after spending several hours behind closed doors Wednesday without delivering a verdict. Zack Fink filed the following report.
On Wednesday, jurors in the Sheldon Silver federal corruption trial ended their deliberations mid-day and went their separate ways for the long holiday weekend.
The jury remained behind closed doors Wednesday morning for roughly two hours without reaching a verdict. There was also little contact between the jury room and the judge.
That was a sharp departure from Tuesday. On the day deliberations began, one juror passed a note to the judge asking to be excused because her views differed from the other 11 jurors. Many took this to mean that she was only one in the room unwilling to convict, but Silver himself had a different take.
"Might be the only one who wants to vote guilty," he said.
On Tuesday night, the same juror who had complained earlier asked for a one-on-one meeting with Judge Valerie Caproni. The judge tabled the issue, then spoke to the 12 jurors together Wednesday morning, telling them that it is inappropriate for her to meet with one juror during deliberations since the secrecy of those discussions are a cornerstone of the justice system.
Silver and his attorneys seemed concerned when the notes were passed Tuesday but were much calmer on Wednesday.
"Nothing unique. The case is in the hands of the jury, and we will be back Monday," Silver said. "I hope everybody has a nice Thanksgiving. I hope the jury has a nice Thanksgiving."
Silver is charged with seven counts of federal corruption. He faces up to 20 years in prison. Silver resigned the speakership earlier this year but he remains an elected member of the state Assembly. He must resign his seat if convicted.