Update
The jury asked to be sent home for the weekend and the judge agreed. This wraps up the 5th day of deliberations and will carry this trial through the holiday weekend.
While no decision was made there was plenty of action in the court house today.
Earlier today the judge denied a defense motion to declare Mayor Sheila Dixon's case a mistrial. Defense attorneys argued that the case was too confusing for the jury, because too much evidence was thrown out.
Defense Attorney Dale Kelberman said the jurors are being asked to act like legal scholars and their notes through the past several days indicate they are confused. Kelberman told the judge the jury has been deliberating just as long as it took to lay out the case and fears they could feel pressured to return a verdict because of the impending holiday.
The state refuted that claim saying the jury is doing exactly what it is supposed to do. State Prosecutor Robert Rohrbaugh said, "Let the jury process proceed to the end and let them make the decision. Five days is long but not unheard of."
The judge ruled against the mistrial but right in the middle of hearing arguments for that motion, the jury sent out a note asking to see the transcriptions of testimony given by developer Patrick Turner and parts of testimony from current Dixon boyfriend Edward Anthony and Mary Pat Fannon, a former consultant to the mayor who testified she received a gift card meant for the needy after the Holly Trolley tour in 2007.
Judge Dennis Sweeney is currently considering that request and is reviewing video testimony without the media in the courtroom.
It is unclear just what will happen if there is no verdict today. Courts are closed Thursday and Friday for Thanksgiving.
