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 CHICAGO (AP) - Jurors in the racketeering and fraud trial of former Gov. George Ryan were having trouble reaching a verdict because of "personal difficulties," the judge said Wednesday. The development threatens a five-month trial stemming from a yearslong investigation into state corruption.
U.S. District Judge Rebecca R. Pallmeyer told attorneys and reporters that she had received two notes in the last several days outlining problems among jurors, who were in their seventh day of deliberations Wednesday. She said she didn't want to disclose details of the problems until there is a verdict.
"They relate to some personal difficulties" that the jurors are having, Pallmeyer said after the second meeting of the day with prosecutors and defense attorneys in her chambers. She said she plans to send a note encouraging the jury to continue its work.
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