Verdict in Sheldon Silver trial postponed

Jury leaves for Thanksgiving break, will reconvene Monday

Litwin-Silver
From left: Leonard Litwin and Sheldon Silver

There is still no verdict in former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver’s corruption trial – and don’t expect one before Monday. The jury left U.S. District Court early Wednesday for Thanksgiving break after three hours of talks.

Silver, who is accused of extortion and fraud in a case that has shone a light on the real estate industry’s often complicated ties to state politicians, spoke to reporters at the courthouse. “It’s all in the hands of the jury, and it would be foolish to speculate as to what is taking place,” Silver said.

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One of the jury members felt “pressured” by her peers because she is dissenting, and requested a private meeting with Judge Valerie Caproni, according to the New York Observer. The judge denied the request, arguing that “the secrecy of jury deliberations is the cornerstone of our jury system.”

The 71-year-old Silver is accused of persuading real estate developers such as Leonard Litwin’s Glenwood Management into hiring a law firm with close ties to him, and of making millions in kickbacks. [NYO]Konrad Putzier