Jurors in Baltimore mayor’s theft trial keep asking questions after they are dismissed for day
By APThursday, November 19, 2009
Jurors in Md. mayor’s trial keep asking questions
BALTIMORE — A judge in Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon’s theft trial told jurors they must stop deliberating and asking questions after he dismisses them for the day.
Visiting Judge Dennis Sweeney sent the panel home Thursday afternoon. Members will return Friday.
Jurors had sent him a question in the note that asked if they could end their day.
The judge and attorneys then began discussing that question when jurors interrupted them with another. A courtroom buzzer sounded again indicating yet another question, prompting Sweeney to call them back.
Sweeney told jurors the best thing they could do is “go away.”
Prosecutors say Dixon used gift cards for the needy on personal shopping sprees. The defense says the mayor’s then-boyfriend anonymously gave Dixon gift cards for her own use.
