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Jury In Espada Trial Works Towards A Verdict
Updated 05/10/2012 04:30 PM
By: NY1 News

Jurors in the Brooklyn embezzlement trial of former State Senator Pedro Espada Jr. and his son are trying to clear an impasse as they asked the judge for help in coming to a decision.

Espada and his son are accused of stealing a half-million dollars from the health care clinic the former lawmaker founded in the Soundview section of the Bronx.

During their ninth day of deliberations Thursday, the jurors sent a note asking what happens if they have a verdict for one defendant and are deadlocked on the other.

Earlier, the panel asked to review 15 pieces of evidence.

Jurors told Judge Frederic Block on Wednesday that they were deadlocked but he told them to get back to work, saying that a partial verdict was an option.

If the jury delivers a partial verdict, it could continue deliberations on the remaining charges.

Espada has maintained he had permission to use Soundview Health Care Network money on personal expenses.

If there is a hung jury, federal prosecutors are expected to retry the case.




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