There appeared to be some friction Monday between the judge and the attorneys in the federal embezzlement case against former State Senate Majority Leader Pedro Espada Jr.

Judge Frederic Block said the lawyers for both sides were acting like children.

He also asked Espada's attorney if there was any way he could put a muzzle on her.

The attorneys were arguing about how to respond to the jury's request for information about the relationship between Espada's health care clinic and his janitorial company.

Federal prosecutors say Espada stole more than a half-million dollars from the clinic.

The jury has been deliberating since last week.

Espada faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.